Policy interventions for the establishment of a stormwater-integrated dewatering system in Male city, Maldives | |
| Author | Nasih, Fathmath Shafa-Ath Ibrahim |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.EV-20-01 |
| Subject(s) | Water-supply--Maldives Plumbing--Maldives |
| Note | A Research Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The high water table of Malé City requires dewatering of construction sites in order to allow for foundation works. Additionally, Malé City is vulnerable to excessive and extended flooding especially during monsoon season. The study aimed to provide long-term solutions to issues in stormwater and dewatering effluent management within Malé City. Results of a hydrologic model of Malé City including existing stormwater management system created using PCSWMM showed 27 points of flooding with magnitudes between 10-40 ML, out of which 16 fell within flood prone areas highlighted in a public survey of 40 samples. Field surveys showed most pavement gutters of Malé City were blocked with debris or broken beyond function. Current methods for dewatering construction sites poses risks to public and urban and natural environment. The results made clear that an individual system that combines both stormwater and dewatering effluent is applicable for Malé City, agreed on by 87.5% of survey participants. A critical review of 16 existing policies and regulations showed that stormwater is grossly overlooked. Although there is a regulation for dewatering, there is no coordination between different authorities regarding the multisectoral issue. Plumbing requirements are not addressed as there is no plumbing code or licensing programs for plumbers. A market survey of uPVC pipes available within the city showed availability of high quality pipes and common use of low-quality pipes, showing a dire need for pipe standards within water and wastewater sector. Interviews of 5 major stakeholders of water and wastewater sector showed a lack of knowledge on sustainable technologies and their applicability within Malé City. An economic analysis of water supply tariff of Malé City showed a significantly high average cost of 4.04 USD/m3, while Singapore and Hong Kong had average tariff rates 38% and 23% of this value respectively, highlighting need to incorporate cheaper, energy efficient and sustainable water and wastewater management practices. Based on the findings, the research study also provided holistic policy recommendations to improve the current situation within stormwater and dewatering effluent management works of Malé City as well as plumbing aspects of the overall water and wastewater sector. |
| Year | 2020 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Visvanathan, Chettiyappan; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon;Xue, Wenchao; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Thai Pipe Scholarship; |
| Degree | Research studies project report (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2020 |