The government has announced a new KSh47 billion project aimed at solving Nairobi’s long-standing flooding problem, following heavy rains that caused widespread damage across the city in March.
While presenting before MPs on Thursday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said there is now a KSh47 billion project to deal with the perennial problem, which will see it addressed from its root causes, as opposed to only seeking solutions during emergencies.
The main idea is to create what is now referred to as a “Sponge City” system, whereby the city is able to take in rainfall, store it, and even reuse it, as opposed to flooding every time there is heavy rainfall.
In essence, Nairobi will be made to “hold” water, store water, and even reuse water instead of flooding every time there is heavy rainfall. This project forms part of the Nairobi Rising Program, which is a joint initiative between the city and county governments to improve infrastructure in Nairobi.
The plan will be carried out in phases, as presented to Parliament by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on behalf of his side. According to his presentation, the first phase will be implemented this year. This will involve quick fixes such as clearing the drainage systems, identifying areas prone to flooding, and establishing early warning systems to inform residents in the city of any impending danger.
The second phase will be implemented by 2028 and will involve more elaborate plans such as improving drainage systems for major rivers such as Mathare and Ngong, as well as establishing underground tanks for storing rainwater.
Then comes the final phase, which will be long-term. During this phase, the government plans to increase green spaces near the rivers, put in place infrastructures that will be able to withstand climatic change, and also put in place a special fund to ensure the sustainability of the project in the coming years.
The plan, though yet to come into fruition, is not new. It has been in place in China, where the cities have adopted the plan in addressing the challenges associated with flooding and water scarcity in the country. This has been achieved by enhancing cooperation between nature and human beings.
Though the plan has yet to come into place, the government has already started some works on the plan.
Mudavadi said the government has already cleared the drainage system in places such as Mathare, Mukuru, Eastleigh, South B, and some parts of the Central Business District to enhance the smooth flow of water.
There is also a new plan to enhance the monitoring of the rivers. This will be achieved by sending messages via SMS and other media to inform the public about the rising levels of the water.
However, the Prime CS acknowledged that the problem of flooding in Nairobi is not new, having existed for years due to poor enforcement rather than the lack of policies.
According to him, the new approach will concentrate on ensuring that regulations are followed and that agencies work together.
This could be the solution to the perennial problem that has been experienced by residents of Nairobi over the years.
