Evaluating the application of structural flood resilience measures in buildings in Kampala slums: Case study Bwaise

Abstract

Recognizing the need to construct in flood prone areas, the use of flood resilience technologies has gained significant traction worldwide. However, slum buildings in Kampala, Uganda, continue to face vulnerability to floods even with mitigation practices in place. There is a huge information gap surrounding the application of structural flood resilience measures in these slum dwellings. Moreover, prior research has focused solely on residential buildings, neglecting the mixed-use nature of these settlements. Therefore, this study investigates the current state of structural flood resilience measures in Bwaise III slum and explores potential improvements. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Data was gathered from respondents in residential, mixed-use, and business buildings. By collecting primary data through interviews and observations, supplemented by secondary data from literature sources, the research aimed to identify existing structural flood resilience measures applied in the buildings, evaluate their effectiveness and the adoption potential of alternative measures for retrofitting the buildings for enhanced flood resilience. The findings reveal some satisfactory level of application of structural flood resilience measures but a need to include more flood resilience technologies derived from the effectiveness results that proved the measures offered limited flood protection. Potential alternative measures were evaluated against past research, local constraints and findings to get their adoption potential within the buildings in the study area. The research concluded by recommended incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) as additional flood resilient techniques suitable for the context of Bwaise slum. However, the study also advocates for collaboration between local authorities and community members to plan and properly execute the necessary modifications to the drainage channels.