Drainage and stormwater management strategies for low-income urban communities

Based upon a review of the literature, this paper focuses on the provision of drainage systems and stormwater management strategies in lowincome urban settlements. Although engineered infrastructure is a necessary component for drainage of urban runoff, non-structural approaches are important complementary measures, focusing on actions to prevent and mitigate problems related to flooding, as well as those related to pollution and deterioration in environmental health conditions. As these rely predominantly on behavioural changes to be effective, a participatory approach is recommended within a strategic framework of urban stormwater planning.