Flooding: A Global Warming Aftermath by Engr. John Cee Onwualu

Climate change which is a direct effect of global warming has brought extreme weather changes to our environment, such as sea-level rise, more frequent rainfall with its associated flooding. The effects of these extreme changes have brought more flooding in our Cities, especially Asaba, Warri, Effurun, and Environs since they lie within the Niger Delta region of Southern Nigeria.

Despite these extreme weather changes from global warming, less attention is being given to the management, and control of stormwater by the government. The excess stormwater leads to the loss of agricultural farmlands, contamination of groundwater and rivers, and loss of lives and property of immeasurable values.

Today, due to the global climate change, Asaba, Warri, Effurun, and its environs are experiencing more months and frequent rainfall rather than the old known pattern of six months dry and six months rainy seasons. The effect on these cities and environs has defied the efficacy of existing drainage systems put in place by government and corporate bodies over the years. Hence, there was an urgent need by the government of Delta State to study and construct sustainable drainage systems for the management and control of Stormwater in Asaba, Warri, Effurun, and Environs.

This desire led to the Engineering Study and Design conducted in Asaba, Warri, Effurun, and Environs. Using interviews of locals, participatory meetings, and engineering surveys more in-depth knowledge of the flooding and causes was gathered.

The study looked at how overland drainages can be incorporated into nature-based gifts, such as Valleys, Waterways, and Rivers for the safe evacuation of the excess runoff generated from the environment.

Results obtained showed that improving the efficiency of these Natural Watercourses and Rivers would bring better management and control of the outfalls of both existing and new drainages into these Natural Watercourses. For this to be successful, the inhabitants must be aware of the environmental hazards associated with blocking of Valleys and Waterways with structures and dumping of waste materials into Storm Sewers and Drains, which would create blockages for the efficient evacuation of the Stormwater generated from the Environment.

Recommended Actions for a Young Engineer-2 by Engr. John Cee Onwualu

IMAGINATION

Imagination is another challenge to a young engineer’s career.

An engineer must have the power of imagination. Every engineering product is a creation of the engineer’s imagination from the astral world. Such imagination should transform into an acceptable and useful product for the sustainability of the environment and mankind.

An engineer is a philosopher who can create ideas from the astral environment and by his application of the scientific and natural laws, make life meaningful for man and his environment. So, if one is not capable of doing so, then one is in the wrong profession.


GET INVOLVED IN TECHNICAL COMMITTEE WORKS

Getting involved in technical committee works is part of the challenges that shape up a young engineer.

Senior partners in the engineering profession should create opportunities for younger engineering professionals to serve in various committees, such as codes and standards committees. This will make them understand the origins of some of the codes and the reasons for their application in engineering works. This will also shore up their confidence level in their engineering career to defend their work without fear.


TRAIN TO OBTAIN THE PROFESSIONAL LICENCE

Training to obtain a professional licence is a great challenge and one of the pre-requisites for making an engineering career fulfilled. The registration standard in Nigeria recommends a minimum of four years of practice to become eligible for Corporate Registration with the professional body (Nigeria Society of Engineers) and thereafter, with Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN.

This registration will become easy for a young engineer who, from the beginning, accepts to undergo training and mentorship under a senior partner in his or her chosen professional career. Registration with the engineering body is supposed to create confidence, courage, and authority for the young engineer to undertake serious engineering works.

This means, with the licence issued by COREN, they are authorised to practice within the Federal Republic of Nigeria as engineers and are responsible for the safe use of the structure or infrastructure they design or develop for public use.