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Water Sensitive Urban Design for Africa

Water Sensitive Urban Design can assist with lowering the frequency and severity of flooding in the cities, channel erosion, and destruction of aquatic habitat often followed by watershed urbanisation.
Aerial view of three circular wastewater treatment tanks, a testament to Water Sensitive Urban Design, surrounded by lush grass and trees. Two tanks contain dark liquid, while one showcases a vibrant green swirling surface.

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It’s been 15 years since the world crossed a threshold, where for the first time in human history, the bulk of the population settled in urban areas. Today, Africa and Asia are the only remaining continents where the rural population outnumbers the urban.

Changes in the parameters of urban streams, followed by decreased water quality, are the most obvious signs of imminent water management challenges. Water Sensitive Urban Design can assist with lowering the frequency and severity of flooding in the cities, channel erosion, and destruction of aquatic habitat often followed by watershed urbanisation.

The urban water course has three main pillars:

  • Potable water supply;
  • Wastewater management; and
  • Stormwater Management.

When water comes in contact with urban surfaces such as roofs, roads and footpaths, it becomes contaminated with oil, metals, litter and other pollutants. Over the centuries innovators have developed methods that allow for better management of water resources in urban environments. Water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems form an extensive network and manage the flow of water throughout the urban built environment.

MEB will help you better coordinate and plan your next water or wastewater project, with a more fluid approach to technology implementation, we guarantee that the different departments involved with water services in your organisation will be more efficient and goal orientated.

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Case Study

A revolutionary approach to water supply

To cope with a crippling and prolonged drought crisis, MEB installed a containerized desalination plant at Richards Bay, South Africa. The project was completed in just seven months. The containers were easily transported to the designated location.1

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