The impacts of storm water floods on communities in informal settlements: a case of Ndeeba (central zone).

Abstract

The storm water floods in the informal settlements of Kampala, Ndeeba zone have negative implications for human life and livelihoods, that is to say increased potential for water borne diseases, loss of property, and business failure among others. Informal settlements, expected to exponentially increase in numbers and size due to urbanization trends and lack of housing for low- and no-income groups, are often located in areas not suited to human habitation, such as wetlands. Urbanization along with its impermeable structures is one of the major causes of flooding in urban areas. The goal of this project was to minimize the impact of flooding upon the community as a whole while further empowering the residents of these informal settlements to improve their quality of life. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study had discussions with key Stakeholders as well as randomly sampled households. Quantitative Household Questionnaires and Qualitative Key Informant Interviews were used to collect the data. The study established that floods impacted on people’s livelihoods and critical aspects such as health, education, housing, water and sanitation and property and assets.