Challenges of Substandard Drainage Systems and Effects of Flooding on the Sustainability of Inhabitants of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Substandard drainage systems can have detrimental effects on the livelihood of a community due to their inability to withstand the flood rate after every heavy downpour, resulting in both immediate and long-term deterioration of infrastructure and aesthetics. This research work was based on an assessment of the challenges of a bad drainage system and the effects of floods on some communities within Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, to determine the factors that favour flood impacts and their implications. The research engaged field observation and descriptive analysis with the use of a questionnaire. One hundred fifty (150) structured questionnaires were used to collect data from all consenting residents. 69 (46%) were male, while 81 (54% were female). Most of the respondents had bad experiences with flood incidents in the study area. The major causes of flooding are poor drainage and uncultured human activities during rainfall. 81 (54%) respondents stated destruction of infrastructure within the communities, 58 (38.7%) stated destruction of properties, and 11 (7.3%) stated loss of life. The study concluded that flooding is a natural hazard that may devastate every culture on earth. Its prevalence in several locations throughout the world has demonstrated that it is a universal situation that does not exclude any community. The common characteristics of all flood disasters experienced in the research area are massive physical and environmental devastation. Hence, there is a need for a massive campaign against improper dumping of refuse in the drainage system, as it does not only create room for flooding but also encourages flooding in the area; well-engineered drainage by competent human resources should be ensured.