Assessing Sustainable Drainage Systems in Urban Flood Management: A Case Study of Metropolitan City Council

Thesis Abstract

Urban flooding poses a significant challenge to Metropolitan City Council, exacerbated by unsustainable drainage practices and rapid urbanization that overwhelm traditional stormwater management systems. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) within the urban landscape of the city, focusing on how these systems mitigate flood risk, improve ecological health, and promote urban resilience. The specific objectives are to (1) assess current drainage infrastructure and management practices, (2) identify and analyze the types and spatial distribution of SuDS implemented across the city, (3) evaluate stakeholder perceptions and community engagement concerning SuDS, and (4) develop a framework for optimizing SuDS deployment based on technical, social, and environmental criteria. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. The research adopts a descriptive and exploratory design, guided by the theory of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the Urban Resilience Theory, which provide conceptual frameworks for sustainable urban drainage and flood risk mitigation. The population comprises urban planners, civil engineers, local government officials, and residents within the metropolitan jurisdiction, with a targeted sample size of 150 respondents selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness across different stakeholder groups. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and archival data review of drainage infrastructure maps and flood records. The reliability and validity of instruments are established through pilot testing and expert validation. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis to examine relationships among variables related to SuDS adoption, performance, and stakeholder perceptions. Thematic analysis is applied for qualitative data to extract common themes and insights regarding community attitudes and institutional challenges. Geospatial analysis using GIS mapping is integrated to visualize the spatial distribution of drainage features and flood-prone areas. Findings are expected to reveal a positive correlation between the extent of SuDS implementation and reduced flood incidence, alongside insights into social acceptance levels and institutional capacity barriers. The research anticipates identifying critical success factors and gaps in current drainage management policies, supplementing existing knowledge on sustainable urban water infrastructure. This study contributes to academic discourse by providing empirical evidence on the performance and social dynamics of SuDS in an African metropolitan context, filling gaps in regional and global literature concerning sustainable flood management practices. It introduces an integrated framework for evaluating SuDS effectiveness that balances technical performance with socio-environmental considerations, thereby advancing theoretical understanding within the sustainability and urban resilience domains. policy implications include recommendations for adopting innovative, context-specific SuDS designs, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering community participation for sustainable urban water management. The main conclusions underscore the importance of integrated planning and multi-stakeholder engagement in enhancing urban flood resilience through sustainable drainage solutions. Recommendations advocate for mainstreaming SuDS into urban development policies, increasing investment in green infrastructure, and developing comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems. The study further suggests avenues for future research, such as longitudinal assessments of SuDS performance over time and cross-comparison with other urban centers, to facilitate adaptive management and continuous improvement of flood mitigation strategies. Overall, this research aims to serve as a pragmatic and scholarly resource for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers committed to fostering resilient and sustainable urban environments amidst increasing flood risks.