Urban Flooding and Vulnerability of Nigerian Cities: A Case Study of Awka and Onitsha in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The climate change phenomenon with its associated increase in global temperature, precipitation and rise in sea levels has also ushered in an increased frequency of flooding in recent times. In the year 2012, many Nigerian cities suffered from the ravaging effects of flooding. This led to lose of lives, internal displacements, destruction of properties, disruption of socio-economic, cultural and religious activities; and splintering of family ties. The cities of Awka and Onitsha in Anambra state, Nigeria featured among the vulnerable cities which are susceptible to flooding. This study set out to find out the causes of flooding in these cities with a view to recommending measures that will help ameliorate the situation. Direct observations and structured interview methods were used to acquire the needed primary data from residents of identified flood prone areas and in addition to secondary data obtained from official records of the State Ministry of Environment. The result revealed that although flooding gives the residents of Awka and Onitsha nightmares, especially during the rainy seasons; it had received only 15% of government intervention activities on environmental problems. There is gross inadequacy in the provision of drainage channels, coupled with poor designs, poor construction and blocked drainage channels. In addition, houses are built indiscriminately, while solid waste disposal are not properly managed. In view of the above discoveries, some of the recommendations which were postulated include the need to develop and implement proactive and holistic urban flooding control and management measures which are rooted in Public participation.

Key words: Urban flooding, Vulnerability of cities, Anambra state