Storm-water management in low-income countries

Rapid urbanisation coupled with a changing climate is increasing surface run-off in many cities in low-income countries. Badly managed run-off has a disproportionate impact on the poor. In a series of ten research projects the state of storm-water management in Vietnam, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Pakistan and India has been examined, including issues of management, maintenance, health impacts (such as malaria) and design standards. The findings show that institutional issues such as urban planning, financing, management responsibility and skills levels are areas that require attention if storm-water is to be controlled effectively. 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.