A Vision on Developing Countries Sustainable Future: A Synergy Effect of Drainage Systems on Wastewater Treatment Plant

Abstract

Sustainable development is a fluid concept that can be elucidated in different ways, but, at its core agenda is aiming at reconciling the economic, social, environment and politics issues. Facing rapid population growth and over-exploitation of natural resources, water and wastewater management deserves greater emphasis. Particularly, in the developing countries, the concept of sustainable development needs to be incorporated into policies and decision making process.The central idea behind the study in hand is the integration of sustainable development concept into water and wastewater management. In essence, the main aim of this research is to investigate the effect of the combined sewer system on the design capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This will be achieved by presenting a case study of a Wastewater Treatment Plant located in the Gaza Strip. Data were gathered over a three month period from Beit Lahia Wastewater Treatment Plant. Results indicated an increase in Wastewater Treatment Plant’s construction, operational and maintenance cost when considering a combined drainage system, yet, the cost premium is typically not as high as is perceived. Furthermore, addressing Gaza Strip’s growing water scarcity and groundwater quality deterioration, planners need to craft strategies that ascertain not only cost effectiveness but also targeting the remaining three sustainability dimensions.

Keywords: Drainage systems, Sustainability, Wastewater treatment plant