In the cities in the developing world, flooding and poor drainage affect the urban poor the most: they cannot afford to rebuild their houses and are at increased risk of waterborne disease. The Apr 2002 issue of Waterlines* discusses approaches to urban drainage in developing countries and presents several case studies. One article stresses that the relevant drainage options to prevent vector-borne diseases are specific to the region and the particular mosquito species. The use of a computer model is described that compares alternative strategies for pollution control in bathing waters following heavy rainfall on a beach in Thailand. Case studies from Brazil and India describe "socially appropriate" ways to prevent squatters from settling on natural drainage paths. The Waterlines issue also includes a technical brief on urban drainage and a list of resources.

*Waterlines, ITDG Publishing Journals, sales@portlandpress.com, http://www.itdgpublishing.org.uk/wlcontent.htm,
Related website: Sanitation Connection - Stormwater Management, http://www.sanicon.net/titles/topicintro.php3?to...

Contact: Contact: Dr. Jonathan Parkinson, GHK International, UK, parkinsonj@ghkint.com, http://www.ghkint.com/services8a.htm

Tags: sanitation