Finding out Flood risk control in Kandawgyi Lake
This is the summary of the students group on Myanmar - Netherlands Water Challenge 2018 on 1 August.
Today, we visited Kandawgyi Lake and observed the flood control system and the challenges within. The project leader of the water control system, U Aye Ko, explained about the controls and maneuvering process. According to his explanation, we found out that there are three major challenges: Water drainage system in the catchment area and the downstream of the lake, Disposal of wastes along the drainage system, and Insufficient resource supplies (manpower, budget, etc.).
Drainage Plan of the downstream of the lake is not functioning properly due to building construction and methods of transportation around the area. The master drainage plan of the whole city should be well noted and aware by all facilities and engineers. It should not be disturbed as drainage system without analytical data can cause flood. To protect the drainage systems, surveys and regulations should be set by the Engineering Council as soon as possible and water drainage plan of the whole city must be maintained.
Disposal of Wastes is a very common habit among Myanmar citizens. During the dry season, the wastes get accumulated in the stormwater drainage system. When the first days of the rainy season come, the wastes create a blockage in the system creating flood. To prevent this, two actions can be done. First, disposing wastes into the drainage system should be warned and banned efficiently. And secondly, removal of trash within the drainage system just before the rainy season. Of course, the first one is most preferable.
Resources Deficiency is also important. As we observed, we found that the water gates need three manpower and 60 minutes to fully operate but let's consider. If there is no one during a heavy storm breakout, how will the water flow? The whole system would fall in jeopardy. But, if we could turn the manual operation into a computerized operation, such problems would be solved.
These are the observations we have made so far. If anyone finds out more of the challenges and solutions, feel free to communicate us.
#waterMM
