Buvera Heighten Floods
Sep 09, 2002
INCREASED reckless disposal of polythene bags has been cited as one of the factors heightening flooding in Kampala city and other urban areas.
By Denis Ocwich
INCREASED reckless disposal of polythene bags has been cited as one of the factors heightening flooding in Kampala city and other urban areas.
Besides blocking drainage pipes and gutters, the “buvera†often clog the top soil, making it difficult for water to percolate the ground, hence flooding.
“In the soil there are pores (openings) which allow easy flow of water and air. But these polythene papers always block the surface and interfere with soil porosity,†said Peter Ebanyat, a soil scientist from Makerere University’s Faculty of Agriculture.
Ebanyat expressed worry that if “buveera†disposal is not addressed quickly, the situation is bound to worsen in the near future.
“When you have these floods around, its not for nothing,†he said. “With time, the cumulative effect of the polythene materials will be severe for the urban and peri-urban areas of the country.â€
He said even urban backyard gardening will not be possible since the “buvera†- which are toxic and not biodegradable (cannot decompose) they are likely to further destroy the soils and cause intense erosion.
To Ebanyat, the solution to the menace is to revert to using decomposable paper bags.
“Or the manufacturers should be encouraged to make recyclable items.â€
Ends
INCREASED reckless disposal of polythene bags has been cited as one of the factors heightening flooding in Kampala city and other urban areas.
Besides blocking drainage pipes and gutters, the “buvera†often clog the top soil, making it difficult for water to percolate the ground, hence flooding.
“In the soil there are pores (openings) which allow easy flow of water and air. But these polythene papers always block the surface and interfere with soil porosity,†said Peter Ebanyat, a soil scientist from Makerere University’s Faculty of Agriculture.
Ebanyat expressed worry that if “buveera†disposal is not addressed quickly, the situation is bound to worsen in the near future.
“When you have these floods around, its not for nothing,†he said. “With time, the cumulative effect of the polythene materials will be severe for the urban and peri-urban areas of the country.â€
He said even urban backyard gardening will not be possible since the “buvera†- which are toxic and not biodegradable (cannot decompose) they are likely to further destroy the soils and cause intense erosion.
To Ebanyat, the solution to the menace is to revert to using decomposable paper bags.
“Or the manufacturers should be encouraged to make recyclable items.â€
Ends