A building technologist, Mr Uchechukwu Awalla has explained the dangers of building structures on waterways and drainage systems.
Awalla while highlighting the impacts of building on waterways on residents and landlords, in an interview with NatureNews, said that dampness, flooding and liquefaction are impacts residents living in such areas will face.
Explaining further, he said, “The nature of the building and soil location is important in making considerations.
“Dampness causes dilapidation of buildings once there is in and out movement of water in a building. The threat that comes to owners and developers of properties whenever it rains, can create sleepless nights for residents in such circumstances. Those who built on steep grounds and valleys should also be getting ready as the rising Niger River level is getting to a worrisome dimension.
“Dampness could lead to the collapse of a building. This means that there will be cracks in the building due to the weakness of the materials used.
“Liquefaction takes place when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking. This causes more water to enter the building, thereby making some organic contents invade the building, which can be harmful to the building,” Awalla explained.
He advised that for people to be free from flood challenges, they must carry out a survey to know if the area is prone to flood before building.
“People should be wary of the effect of flood and select grounds where they should put their property because flooding is a major impact for people living in buildings built on waterways.
“People should check if there are dams up, or close to where they are going to build or live. This will drive you to seek expert advice and use appropriate building materials, in flood-prone areas and build only in the approved way and in approved areas.
“There is an urgent need for a collaborative effort of both the government and stakeholders to support town planning, engineering and other professional agencies to combat flooding in Nigeria to avoid its long-range consequences.
“For every individual, develop your plot with a deep or wide drainage system, and don’t dump wastes in the waterways, it is perilous to you in your living domain,” Awalla added.
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