Investigating the impact of excess storm water on Traffic flow: A case study of Clock Tower area.

Abstract

This field study investigated the impact of excess storm water on traffic flow and took a case study of clock tower area. The study took a period of three (3) weeks around clock tower areas in Kampala, Uganda which included interviews and literature review at Makerere University and thesis writing. The study adopted descriptive research design and used both purposive and accidental sampling technique to select the respondents for gathering information. The target population were 30 respondents who included traffic officers, drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, KCCA officials such as environmental officer and the physical planner. The data sources included both secondary and primary where secondary included use of textbooks and journal articles; primary data included use of interviews, questionnaire, observation and photography. The results of the study showed that areas surrounding Clock tower greatly contribute to flooding and excess storm water around clock tower and thus affects the traffic flow. The areas included residential, commercial, water-logged and industrial areas. The study revealed that excess storm water around clock tower has resulted into accidents, silt deposition in the road, blockage of drainage channels, creation of potholes and weakening the strength of the road leading to death and injuries. Traffic on flooded roads has delayed and interrupted flow of vehicles and some trips were cancelled or rerouted and this has resulted in frustration and hence accidents, loss of business hours, additional fuel consumption, traffic congestion situations and bottlenecks mainly through its procedures incorporating drivers' responses and intermodal transportation

The study recommended emphasis on institutional issues such as proper urban planning, drafting sustainable urban development plans, financing, management responsibility and skills levels are areas that require attention so as to effectively control storm-water. Integrated approaches are required, making institutional coordination critical. Technical issues also need to be addressed, with silt and solid waste being a significant design problem. The study further suggests for construction of drainage channels to help collect rain water and direct it to Lake Victoria and reduce the excess storm water; construction of permeable pavement; collection and capturing rainwater for reuse; adoption of better building construction codes and standards and laws