How Sustainable Building Can Solve the Drainage Problem of Nairobi CBD

Nairobi CBD is notorious for its flooding problem whenever it rains. The streets turn into rivers of dirty water, making it hard for pedestrians and drivers to move around. The poor drainage system is a result of decades of urban planning that should have considered population growth, the environmental impact, and the maintenance needs of the city. The drainage system is also clogged by solid waste, such as plastic bags, that end up in the drains.

One of the possible solutions to this problem is to adopt sustainable building practices and standards in the city. Sustainable building, also known as green building, is the design and construction of buildings that minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive effects on the environment, the economy, and society. Sustainable building can help solve the drainage problem in Nairobi CBD in several ways:

• Sustainable building promotes using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and biogas, to reduce dependence on the grid and the fossil fuels contributing to climate change. Climate change is one of the factors that causes extreme weather events, such as heavy rains, that overwhelm the drainage system.
• The sustainable building encourages water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and low-flow fixtures, that reduce the demand for wastewater. Water conservation can help prevent the depletion of groundwater sources, which can cause land subsidence and increase the flood risk.
• Sustainable building supports waste management strategies, such as composting, recycling, and reuse, that reduce the amount and toxicity of waste generated and disposed of. Waste management can help prevent pollution and the blockage of the drainage system by solid waste.
• Sustainable building fosters the use of natural and local materials, such as bamboo, stone, and earth, that reduce the embodied energy and the carbon footprint of the building. Natural and local materials can also help create permeable surfaces, such as green roofs, walls, and pavements, that allow water to infiltrate and recharge the groundwater rather than run off and flood the drainage system.

Sustainable building is not only a solution to the drainage problem of Nairobi CBD but also a benefit to the city and the country in many ways. A sustainable building can improve the quality of life, health, and comfort of the occupants and neighbours of the building. Sustainable building can also enhance the economic performance, efficiency, and competitiveness of the building and the city. Sustainable building can also contribute to the community and the country's social equity, justice, and empowerment

Sustainable building is a viable and desirable solution to the drainage problem of Nairobi CBD. By adopting sustainable building practices and standards, the city can address the root causes and effects of the poor drainage system while also reaping the benefits of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Sustainable building can help transform Nairobi CBD into a resilient, livable, and attractive urban centre that can cope with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century..