Excessive Rainfall and Flash Flooding
November 2024
Life grinds to a halt when it rains
In the area of In Uganda where EVC operates there is a constant and ongoing struggle to cope with tropical storms, torrential rainfall and flash flooding.
When it rains, the ground becomes saturated very quickly and most roads become almost impassable. Four-wheel drives are the only vehicles that can operate and even these get stuck at times.
Forecourts and paths in the grounds of St Matia Mulumba Primary School often descend into 2 to 3 inches of dark red mud.
Over the past few years EVC has engaged in a major programme of torrential rain and flood water management.
Rainwater is collected from building roofs and stored in large tanks to provide fresh clean drinking water for the school. Water no longer cascades off roofs in torrents and onto sodden ground.
The school needed substantial paving to provide safe and clean hard standing areas. We started with the yards behind the boys’ and girls’ dormitories, and this has made a significant improvement in dryness and cleanliness of these buildings.
We’ve installed drainage pipes and soak-away pits to divert flash flood water from the school grounds.
Robust retaining walls have been installed to stop major mud slides from endangering our children and school buildings.
We are delighted to say that this month we are beginning a major project of paving the school main forecourt and walkways. Materials are starting to be delivered to site and paving slabs are being produced and laid down.
Work will be completed on all paving by the end of this year.
The school will then be able to lay out neat and tidy pathways, small gardens and green areas to enhance the school campus and provide a clean, calm and pleasant environment for study and accommodation.