KCCA’S DRAINAGE UPGRADES PAY OFF AS DOWNTOWN KAMPALA FLOODWATERS CLEAR IN MINUTES

Heavy rainfall that pounded downtown Kampala on Friday briefly caused flash floods in several streets, but the water subsided within minutes, demonstrating the impact of recent drainage improvements implemented by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

Areas including Sebana Road, Clock Tower and Allen Road experienced a heavy downpour that initially led to water accumulation. However, unlike previous incidents where flooding in the central business district lasted for atleast three hours and disrupted business activities, the water drained away in about seven minutes.

KCCA spokesperson Daniel NuweAbine KCCA say the quick drainage is a result of ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at strengthening the city’s flood management systems.

The recent drainage channel upgrade, including the constructed 16 crossing culverts along Allen Road and Sebana Road to improve storm water flow and prevent water from stagnating on city streets.

Also the recent improvement of the Nakivubo Channel by KIHAM Enterprises has significantly enhanced the capacity of the channel to handle storm water flowing from the city center.

“These interventions are already showing results. The quick clearing of floodwater today is evidence that the drainage systems are working,” NuweAbine said.

Further works are underway to strengthen the drainage network in the city center. KCCA is currently constructing longitudinal drainage along Ben Kiwanuka Street as part of ongoing road works under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Project (GKMA-UDP).

Under the same project, the authority plans to construct a major box culvert on Namirembe Road along the Non-Motorised Transport route to channel storm water directly into the Nakivubo drainage system, a move expected to further reduce flooding in surrounding areas.

Despite the improvements, two commercial buildings, Totala Business and Qualicell experienced basement flooding due to poor internal drainage systems. KCCA has since deployed trucks to pump out water from the affected buildings to restore normal operations.

City authorities say while infrastructure improvements are delivering results, public cooperation and proper waste management remains essential in sustaining the progress.

KCCA has urged residents, traders and building owners to dispose of garbage responsibly and avoid blocking drainage channels, warning that waste dumped in drains remains one of the leading causes of flooding in the city.

As the drainage improvement works continue across the city, KCCA has called on residents and businesses to remain patient as infrastructure upgrades progress.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer