Lyn Frans
Heavy rains across various regions and countries have served as a harsh spotlight, illuminating the incompetence of road engineers and the lack of foresight in leadership when it comes to infrastructure development.
The heavy downpour of rainwater has not just inundated streets and houses ,but has also exposed the weaknesses of road networks that were not adequately equipped to withstand the power of nature.
Related:Dar City In Ruins as Torrential Rains wreak City Apart
Roads that were once deemed sturdy and reliable have crumbled under the relentless assault of heavy rains, revealing a systemic failure in the planning and execution of infrastructure projects. Potholes have deepened, surfaces have eroded, and drainage systems have proven inadequate, leading to widespread chaos and inconvenience for commuters.
The deficiencies in engineering design and construction practices have become clearly visible as roads crumble right in front of us as inadequate water drainage systems, low-quality materials, and ineffective maintenance practices have all played a part in the swift decay of roads, transforming previously bustling streets into dangerous routes.
The incompetence of road engineers is exacerbated by the failure of leadership to prioritize long-term infrastructure planning and investment. The shortsightedness of decision-makers in allocating resources and implementing sustainable solutions has left communities vulnerable to the destructive impact of heavy rains.
Citizens have for years play a pivotal role in contributing to the severity of flooding incidents in the country . Improper waste disposal practices, such as littering and illegal dumping, have obstructed drainage systems and waterways, leading to blockages that impede the flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Plastics, debris, and other discarded materials accumulated in drains and culverts, are all contributing factors in the floods records of Tanzania in recent times.
Citizens have also contributed to flooding through deforestation and land degradation practices that reduce the natural capacity of ecosystems to absorb and retain water. Clearing forests, draining wetlands, and altering natural watercourses disrupt the hydrological cycle and increase the likelihood of flash floods and erosion in affected areas.
Everyone seem to have someone to blame for these unfortunate happenings. But clearly the key people responsible can only be three. Government, Road Engineers and Citizens.
The current repetitive flood disaster happenings in Tanzania which has already claimed the lives of over 155 people, is slowly demeaning Tanzania’s prestige not only in the East Africa corridor but globally .
The recurring situation has left many wondering why have the authorities responsible have failed to nib these occurrences in the bud for years now. Dubai recently got flooded too ,but the next day , everything came back to normal as if nothing happened. In our case in Tanzania, it takes weeks and sometimes even months for the affected area and people to practically bounce back to normalcy.
The situation is not always about the lack of inadequate funds but rather the poor foresight of authorities responsible for the engineering of our road networks and urban planning in general.
Why these authorities have failed to diverse strategies in reversing the trend is what many are asking.
Flooding without a doubt ,is a natural disaster that can have devastating consequences, and while heavy rains play a significant role in triggering these events, devising strategies to mitigate these happenings must be taken with all seriousness.
Continuous education and awareness campaigns for Citizens on preventing flooding and promoting responsible environmental stewardship, although essential, the spotlight should be on the Road Engineers who have failed to design roads that can withstand the rigors of the African climate either due to lack of skills or the usage of substandard materials.
Now that their poor works have exposed by the rains, it is time for the government to engage the services of skilled road engineers ,as all affected areas ,needs urgent road re-engineering. Urban planners should also be put under scrutiny.as their main job is not just to oversee the development of essential infrastructure such as water supply systems, energy networks, waste management facilities, etc but to be committed to ensuring the systems created are sustainable, resilient, for present and future generations.
Again, the need for government to prioritize and be committed to investing in proper drainage systems and maintenance is crucial, as these are the number one reasons that has exacerbated the situation.
This, if carefully planned and implemented, can go a long way to help to reduce the continues flooding disaster the country is currently battling with.
Monies and relieve items given to flood –displaced victims by Disaster managements can be put to good use in other equally important sectors such as addressing the poor classrooms blocks , lack of electricity and potable water and in the rural areas of the country if flooding is curtailed .
Also Read:Maximizing the Potential: Unleashing the Power of Disaster Funds
As the rains continue to expose vulnerabilities, it is time for proactive decisions to be taken now by all responsible, to safeguard communities, and build a more resilient future ,else the worse can be expected.
