Flooding, flood risks and coping strategies in urban informal residential areas: The case of Keko Machungwa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jamba

Tumpale Sakijege¹ 

关键词: Coping strategies;    Informal settlements;    Climate change;    Flooding;    Risks;    Disaster;    Dar es Salaam;   

DOI  :  10.4102/jamba.v4i1.46

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: African Centre for Disaster Studies

【 摘 要 】

This article presents findings from a study carried out in KekoMachungwa informal settlement in Dar es Salaam under the auspices of theDisaster Management Training Centre of Ardhi University, Tanzania. The settlementhas experienced frequent flooding in the past five years, and thisstudy explores the causes, risks, extent of flooding and coping strategies ofresidents as well as municipality and city officials. Key methodsemployed in capturing empirical evidence included mapping of zones by severity offlooding, interviews with households, sub-ward leaders, and municipaland city officials. Non-participant observation, primarily takingphotographs, complemented these methods. Laboratory tests of watersamples taken from shallow wells in the settlement were performed to establish the level ofpollution. In addition, records of prevalence of water-borne diseaseswere gathered from a dispensary within the settlement to corroborate floodingevents, water pollution and occurrence of such diseases. Findings show that flooding is contributed to by the lack of a coordinated stormwaterdrainage system; haphazard housing development within the valley; and blocking of the water stream by haphazard dumping of solid waste andconstruction. Risks associated with flooding include water and airpollution, diseases, waterlogging and blocked accessibility. The most common coping strategies at household level are use of sandbags and tree logs; raised pit latrines and doorsteps; provision of wateroutlet pipes above plinth level; construction of embankments, protectionwalls and elevation of house foundations; seasonal displacement; and boilingand chemical treatment of water. Recommendations for future action at household, community and city level are made.

【 授权许可】

CC BY