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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Aspects of Urban Hydrology and the Challenges for African Urban Environments |
Author: | Oyebande, Lekan |
Year: | 1990 |
Periodical: | African Urban Quarterly (ISSN 0747-6108) |
Volume: | 5 |
Issue: | 1-2 |
Period: | February-May |
Pages: | 39-68 |
Language: | English |
Notes: | biblio. refs., ills., maps |
Geographic term: | Africa |
Subjects: | urbanization hydrology environment Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Urbanization and Migration urban environment Urban hydrology drainage |
Abstract: | In Africa and other less developed areas, the priorities stated for urban development are the provision of food and drinking water, shelter, clothing, domestic sanitation, health and education. Urban hydrology is considered a marginal problem and urban drainage is generally not taken into consideration except when it significantly affects any of the above priority needs. However, as urbanization intensifies it usually becomes obvious that the attainment of the primary objectives are closely linked to water quality and storm water drainage as part of the more general problem of flooding and environmental health and welfare in urban areas. After a review of trends and features of urbanization in Africa, this article examines the principal factors of change in the hydrological regimes of urban areas: a) the replacement of unpaved, pervious surfaces by impervious surfaces; b) increased hydraulic conveyance; c) increased water use and disposal; and d) poor planning of land use for the various urban functions. Next, attention is paid to the hydrologic process in urban areas, which includes precipitation, the interception, infiltration and evaporation of rain water, and urban storm runoff. In conclusion, suggestions are made for an appropriate approach to urban drainage in Africa. Ref. |