Flooded city a proof of bad drains

WHETHER we like to hear it or not, Port Moresby city has a problem with its drains.
If you notice, heavy rains have triggered flooding in some areas in the city – some knee-high, others neck-deep – because of the poor drainage system.
Obviously there is an urgent need for a comprehensive drainage master plan for the city.
Some sections of the road have become choke points, especially during rush hours and heavy rain.
With the drainage system, certain areas usually get engulfed in floodwaters every time it rains.
Those who have lived in Port Moresby for the past 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 also 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 experience.
The intensity of the problem has been turning from bad to worse when it rains. Furthermore, water stagnation and crater-like potholes are severe in some roads that traffic jams have become routine for road users after a heavy downpour.
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 the city.
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 the clogging of drains.
NCDC says the drainage maybe engineered small-scale only to allow certain amount of water to flow through if there is flooding.
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 to check that the developments complied with the drainage requirements failed.
Unplanned urbanisation has brought with it problems of solid waste filling up the city canals.
In some areas, there are no flood-flow zones; ditches and canals have either had their access blocked or have simply disappeared.
The flooding of main roads highlight the shortcomings of the drainage systems in the city.
Although the problem gets worse each year, the city authority has not been able 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 that almost all drainage lines on 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.