Select either urban flooding or water pollution and discuss its
(a) causes
(b) effects
(c) control measures
Explanation
(a) Causes of urban flooding:
(i) Abundant supply of water from rainfall or ice
(ii) High water table which ensures a steady water supply
(iii) Weak dam construction and embarkments
(iv) Poor drainage system
(v) Blocking of drainage systems e.g gutters
(vi) Unplanned urban settlements
(b) Effects of urban flooding:
(i) Human lives are lost during urban flooding
(ii) Properties are damaged
(iii) Some roads may be washed away or rendered impassable
(iv) Some houses are completely taken over by water during flooding
(v) Deposits of garbage left behind by flood can cause environmental pollution.
(c) Control measure of urban flooding:
(i) Construction of strong embankments along the banks of rivers
(ii) Retardation of run off over the surface of water sheds
(iii) Storage of flood water behind dams to serve as flood control reservoirs
(iv) Stream channelization
(v) Legislation against indiscrimate dumping of refuse in gutters.
(vi).Construction of functional drainage systems.