Every heavy rainstorm in Baku and its surroundings creates the same scene: roads fill with water, transportation becomes difficult, and life in the city is paralyzed. These problems are mainly related to weak infrastructure and improper drainage of rainwater. So why does this situation repeat itself every time, and what are the real solutions for it?
In her statement to Medianews.az on the topic, well-known architect Yegane Abdullayeva said that there are some areas where building houses should not be allowed at all.
The lady architect noted that when it does not rain for a long time, some opportunists consider areas intended for water flows – for example, the edges of bridges or drainage paths leading to the sea – as vacant land and as a result, build houses there and put them up for sale:
“Such unplanned construction later causes serious problems. One of the main reasons for sewer system blockages is precisely the human factor. The population does not fully understand the consequences of waste thrown into the streets and only associates these prohibitions with fines. Whereas every small piece of garbage thrown blocks the small holes around the sewer manholes and prevents water flow.”
Y. Abdullayeva added that if the problem was related to the size of the pipes, then cleaning them would not be possible either:
“The existing sewer lines are renewed periodically and in some areas, considering population growth, replaced with larger pipes. Particularly, the increase in migration from the city center to outlying settlements has made these changes necessary. Nevertheless, the main problem remains weak proper use and control. Even though sewer lines are regularly cleaned, due to waste blocking the manholes, water accumulation in the streets during every heavy rain is inevitable. The solution to the problem can be achieved not only with technical measures but also by changing public behavior.”
Oghuz Ayvaz,
Medianews.az