The Case of Kabwe, Zambia
FEATURED PAPER
Dr. Evance Moses Silumbwe
Kabwe, Zambia
Abstract
Urban drainage systems in Southern African cities face significant challenges due to rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and poor maintenance. Kabwe, Zambia, exemplifies these struggles, with frequent flooding, waterlogging, and environmental degradation exacerbating public health risks and disrupting livelihoods. This study explores the key factors contributing to drainage inefficiencies in Kabwe, including unplanned settlements, blocked waterways, and limited investment in drainage infrastructure. Using a combination of spatial analysis, the research assesses the impact of ineffective drainage systems on urban sustainability and community well-being. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated urban planning, improved drainage maintenance, and policy interventions to enhance resilience against climate-induced flooding. Addressing these issues is crucial for promoting sustainable urban development in Kabwe and other cities facing similar drainage challenges across Southern Africa.
Keywords: Urban Drainage |Flooding |Infrastructure |Stormwater Management| Climate Change| Erosion| Wastewater| Urbanization| Sustainability| Resilience.
Introduction
Urban drainage systems play a crucial role in managing stormwater, preventing flooding, and ensuring environmental sustainability in rapidly growing cities (UN-Habitat, 2020). However, many cities in Southern Africa, including Kabwe in Zambia, face significant challenges in maintaining effective drainage infrastructure. Rapid urbanization, poor planning, inadequate investment in drainage systems, and the impacts of climate change contribute to frequent flooding, erosion, and waterborne diseases (World Bank, 2021). In Kabwe, these challenges are exacerbated by informal settlements, blocked drainage channels, and a lack of proper waste management (Chanda & Mwiinga, 2019). This study examines the key issues affecting urban drainage in Kabwe, highlighting their causes, impacts, and potential solutions to improve the city’s resilience against water-related hazards.
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How to cite this paper: Silumbwe, E.M. (2025). Challenges of Urban Drainage Systems in Southern African Cities: The Case of Kabwe, Zambia; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue IV, April. Available online at http://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pmwj151-Apr2025-Silumbwe-Challenges-of-Urban-Drainage-Systems-in-Southern-African-cities.pdf
About the Author
Evance Moses Silumbwe, PhD
Kabwe, Zambia
Mr. Evance Moses Silumbwe, is presently employed as the Chief Building Inspector at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development within the Kabwe Municipal Council, situated at Box 80424, Kabwe, Zambia. His professional research field includes the following research areas: Project Management, Water Distribution and Consumption, Spatial Planning, Administration & Management, Highways.
His academic background comprises: Recently accomplished a PhD in Administration & Management at the University of Zambia, spanning from 2021 to 2024. (Clear pass) A dissertation which included: Analysis of Management and Administration of State Land by the Local Authority in the Midst of Illegal Settlement: A Case Study of Excision Land in Kabwe, Central Province, Zambia; Completion of a Teaching Methodology Postgraduate Diploma from Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia, in 2019–2020; Attainment of a Master’s degree in Project Planning Management from the Information Communication University of Zambia during 2015–2017; Participation in International Diplomacy Studies at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy Studies in 2015; Diploma in Building Construction from Copperbelt University, Zambia, acquired from 2008 to 2012; Bachelors in Road maintenance and management -from University of Africa from 2012 to 2015; Completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from Cavendish University, Zambia, in 2008; Obtaining a Monitoring and Evaluation Certificate from the University of Zambia in 2006; Acquisition of a Project Planning Certificate from Technical Vocational Training College, Luanshya, Zambia, in 2005; Studied Business Administration at the University of Zambia in 2004; and Completion of Plumbing and Sheetmetal studies at the Lukashya Trades Training Institute in 1996–1997.
Furthermore, he is currently an active member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia. He can be contacted at silumbwemoses7@gmail.com
