Chapter 1

Background of the study

Drainage Systems can be commonly seen in many urban places and are placed to remove excess

water, this could be rainwater, floodwater and different kinds of runoff. They are also placed to

effectively remove wastewater .These are essential in areas which are susceptible to flooding,

these areas are called floodplains or flood-prone areas. Having sub-standard drainage systems

will result in many problems especially to these areas, causing health risks and damage to

property and can also be the reason for the spread of cholera, leptospirosis, typhoid fever and

hepatitis A. An effective drainage system is one that is able to remove all excess water.

Flooding is becoming a very common issue nowadays even in places that have not been flooded

before, due to global warming and pollution there has been a change of weather. Considering

that the earth’s ocean temperature is slowly rising, typhoons are becoming more stronger than

before therefore causing mass destruction .According to the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration. “Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally

dry. Floods can happen during heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, or when dams or

levees break. Damaging flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a

house to the rooftop.”

Improper waste garbage disposal is a leading problem in overcrowded areas, this can lead to

clogging of drainage systems making it difficult for the drainage to function properly, in which

cases can cause flooding.