Assessing the impact of maintenance on the performance of Nakamiro channel in Bwaise 11, Kawempe division.
Abstract
Drainage is the process of interception and removal of water from over, and under the vicinity of
a surface. Drainage can be surface (where water is conveyed on the surface and drawn off by the
ditches and channels), or sub-surface (water flows underneath the surface) (Abwot, 1999). Despite
the importance of drainage systems in managing water flow and quality, their performance can be
significantly affected by maintenance activities. Maintenance is the combination of all technical,
administrative and managerial actions during the life cycle of the drainage system to retain it in,
or restore it to a state in which it can perform the required function.
This research study focuses on assessing the impact of the lack of maintenance on the performance
of Nakamiro Channel in Bwaise, Kawempe Division. Nakamiro Channel has never undergone
maintenance, and this research aimed to investigate the consequences of this neglect on the
channel's current state and functionality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the current
state of Nakamiro Channel, assess the need for maintenance, and suggest an appropriate and
effective maintenance strategy.
A comprehensive evaluation of the channel's physical condition and functionality was conducted.
This assessment included examining the channel's capacity, silt levels, vegetation growth, and any
structural damages on the channel. Additionally, the study analysed the need for maintenance on
the channel and four (4) reasons were listed namely: improve the channel’s performance; cost
saving; increase the lifespan of the channel; and improve public health.
Ten (10) maintenance activities which can be applied on the channel were listed and five (5)
activities were majorly analysed to determine the appropriate maintenance strategies to be used
on the channel which were: cleaning and desilting of the channel; cleaning of inlets and outlets;
inspection of the channel; and maintenance schedule. Preventive and proactive maintenance
strategies were suggested for the maintenance of the channel. These strategies require maintenance
activities to be done before in order to prevent occurancy of unexpected issues that lead to the
failure of the channel.