Kampala Businessman Takes Initiative to Address Flooding Issues
A prominent businessman in Kampala, Hamis Kiggundu, has taken steps to address the ongoing flooding issues in the city by opening additional culverts to divert large volumes of water into the Nakivubo Channel. This move comes in response to a directive from Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja, who highlighted the need for more culverts to manage the rising water levels.
During an inspection of the damage caused by recent flooding, Nabbanja pointed out that the current number of culverts is inadequate and that this insufficiency contributed significantly to the extensive flooding in downtown Kampala last week. She emphasized the importance of improving the drainage system to prevent future incidents.
Hamis Kiggundu welcomed the technical guidance provided by engineers, acknowledging that their expertise is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the flooding. He stated, “We shall listen to their technical guidance. We are ready to work with KCCA to ensure water which always collects on the surface whenever it rains enters the channel.”
Kiggundu’s team has already taken action to widen the Nakivubo Channel, increasing its width from six meters to 12 meters. According to his engineers, this expansion is expected to allow the channel to handle water flow for between 50 and 70 years. This significant improvement aims to enhance the channel’s capacity and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.
The businessman also noted that the previous state of the Nakivubo Channel, which was open, posed a danger to the public. Many individuals disposed of rubbish in the channel, leading to clogging and further exacerbating the flooding problem. He mentioned that officials from the City Authority for Kampala (CAF) inspected Nakivubo Stadium and highlighted the need for improvements. While the stadium’s standard was deemed good, they pointed out that the presence of water and sewerage flowing openly near the stadium was not acceptable. As a result, the CAF requested that the channel be covered to meet international standards.
President Yoweri Museveni has also addressed the issue, stating that those who lost their property during the floods will receive assistance. He added, “anybody who made a mistake, we shall correct it.” This statement reflects the government’s commitment to supporting affected residents and addressing the root causes of the flooding.
The efforts by Kiggundu and the government highlight the importance of collaboration between private and public sectors in tackling infrastructure challenges. By working together, stakeholders can implement sustainable solutions that protect communities and improve urban living conditions.
In addition to the physical improvements to the Nakivubo Channel, there is a growing awareness of the need for better waste management practices. The accumulation of rubbish in the channel has been a contributing factor to the flooding, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in maintaining clean and functional drainage systems.
As the city continues to grow, the need for effective flood management strategies becomes increasingly urgent. The actions taken by Kiggundu and the government serve as a positive example of how proactive measures can mitigate the impact of natural disasters and promote resilience in urban areas.
Overall, the situation in Kampala underscores the significance of investing in infrastructure and fostering partnerships between different sectors to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. With continued efforts and cooperation, the city can build a more sustainable and flood-resistant environment for its people.