Challenges of Urban Drainage System in the Emerging Towns of Ethiopia: The Case Study of Assosa Town

Perhaps one of the most difficult issues a community can face is the question of street flooding and its causes in most emerging towns of Ethiopia. This topic creates extensive debate among local government officials, city administration officials and citizens of Assosa town. The road and drainage infrastructure distribution is not satisfactory for some citizens due to its unfair expansion and distribution activities of the infrastructure. The main focus of the current study was to investigate the urban drainage infrastructure provision, its coverage and managements in Assosa town. In the study physical measurements were made on the drainage channels for data collection. A total of 150 inhabitants of the metropolis were randomly selected and made to respond to some questions in addition to professional and kebele officials. The study found that the special integration between all roads and urban storm water drainage network is found to be 53.6 %, the existing condition of drainage system is poor, there is street flooding is common at the study. In addition, the environmental impacts due to poor drainage were adverse at the study area. The study suggests that among others a close coordination with stakeholders and collaboration between private sectors is needed for effective management and suitable operation and maintenance of urban drainage systems.