Fix drainage system in Port Moresby

Editorial

PORT Moresby has a problem with its drainage.
The heavy rain over the last three days has triggered floods in some areas in the city – some knee-high, others neck-deep – due to our poor drainage systems.
Mind you, this is not the first time.
For years, the city roads flood every time there is a heavy downpour.
There is an urgent need for a comprehensive drainage master plan of the city.
Some sections of the road have become choke point – massive traffic, especially during rush hours during heavy rains.
With the drainage system, certain areas usually get engulfed in flood waters every time it rains.
Those who have lived in Port Moresby for the last 20 years will agree that there was flooding during heavy rains but not to the extent of excess water spilling onto the roads and into residential areas.
Many areas in the city are getting inundated due to rains, as there is no provision to divert the water.
Occupied localities are presenting an unpleasant look with small pools and huge potholes on road margins due to the rain.
Travelling on roads for drivers and pedestrians has become a nightmare.
The intensity of the problem has been turning from bad to worse when it rains intermittently.
Furthermore, water stagnation and crater potholes is severe in some roads that traffic jams have become part of routine for road users after a heavy downpour.
The lack of attention from the city administration to improve the drainage system of the city has been one of the primary concerns of many pedestrians in Port Moresby.
Indeed, with pavements in the city preventing run-off of rainwater, it ends up flooding the streets.
City authorities have placed the blame of flooding during rainy seasons on residents claiming they throw rubbish into drains which contributes to its clogging.
This is what happens when you have aged and inadequate drainage infrastructures.
One can say the rapid building growth is one contributing factor.
Those tasked with the responsibility to check that the developments complied with the drainage requirements failed.
Unplanned urbanisation has brought with it problems of solid waste filling up the few city canals.
In some areas, there are no flood flow zones; ditches and canals have either had their access blocked or have simply disappeared.
When most main roads flood, it brings to the fore the shortcomings of the drainage systems in the city yet again.
Although the problem turns acute every passing year, it seems the city authority has been unable to find a solution.
Taking up the annual exercise of cleaning up some stretches of the major drains in the city is enough to tackle the problem.
The drains that run into these canals are choked or infringed upon in most places.
It seems almost all drainage lines of main roads are serving beyond their capacity as the majority of the secondary roads do not have huge drainage pipes.
It is high time those responsible take stock and look at the drainage system.
Without it, we will continue to have haphazard development and maintenance of the various components that comprise the drainage system.