Guiding developments in flood-prone areas: Challenges and opportunities in Dire Dawa city, Ethiopia.

Juliet Akola,Joseph Binala,Jimmy Ochwo

doi:10.4102/jamba.v11i3.704

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges that developing countries are facing today is the management of development in flood-prone areas. Ethiopia is no exception, as it has suffered perennial floods in different parts of the country with devastating consequences. Floods in Dire Dawa are occurring more frequently than before and this is attributed to climate change, among other reasons. This study looks at guiding development in flood-prone areas in Dire Dawa. In this study, data were collected from selected kebeles (zones). Questionnaires, interviews and observation were used as data collection methods. Respondents were randomly selected from the communities for the administration of questionnaires. Analysis revealed that the return period of floods in Dire Dawa is getting shorter. The local authorities have come up with coping strategies, which are falling short of the expected outcome, with poor implementation being the major problem. The study concludes by recommending that the administration needs to identify and prioritise existing opportunities by implementing the already existing strategies. The city administration needs to establish a specific body for watershed management and flood protection responsible for carrying out research, early warnings, designs, pooling resources, implementing and managing interventions.

Highlights

One of the biggest challenges that developing countries are facing today is how to plan and manage developments in flood-prone areas
Results from Risk and Disaster Prevention officials confirm that, floods are prone in Dire Dawa city because of a number of factors which are manmade and natural (DDADPFSO 2014)
Flooding occurs in Dire Dawa city because of natural and manmade causes

Summary

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges that developing countries are facing today is how to plan and manage developments in flood-prone areas. Good planning is key to minimise long-term risks of damage from flooding. The principle is simple – plan and develop properties, buildings and structures so that they are safe from flooding from the outset without compromising the safety of other properties. Prevention is far cheaper than cure (Melbourne Water 2007). Poor planning has often led to enormous loss of valuable assets in the past. The impossibly high costs of flood mitigation works far outweigh the benefits of better protection, and such areas are unlikely to ever be relieved of the threat of flooding (World Bank 2013)

Objectives

Results

Conclusion