Evaluation of Capacity and Performance Side Drainage Structure of Wolkite Town Main Road

Abstract

The problem of side drainage structure is common in different cities of Ethiopia. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity and performance of the side drainage structure on the Wolkite town main road. Descriptive and exploratory types of research was used for this study. This paper collected primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from field observation, and measurement of drainage ditch, topography and Land cover. Together with field observation, a google earth was then used to estimate the catchment area for drainage ditches. Based on field observation, drainage ditch management was described. The rational method wasused to estimate maximum design flood to drainage ditches. Side drainage current ideal and reduced capacities were estimated using manning equation drainage. Finally, the performance of drainage ditch was evaluated by comparing estimated flood to available current capacity. Results showed that the street flooding problem during rainy season is as serious to very serious problem in Wolkite town specially around Merkato village. The main reasons for the problem are blockage of the side drainage ditch by plastic bottles, chat sticks and other dry wastes and inadequate side drainage infrastructure.