SUGAR: Stabilisation of Urban Gullies by mAnaging Rainwater at parcel scale

Summary

Urban gullies (UGs) wreak havoc in Kinshasa and other cities across the DRC, resulting in numerous socio-economic impacts. They form due to a combination of factors, including intensive rainfall and erodible soils, lack of urban planning and inadequate water management infrastructure. Numerous mitigation measures are already implemented, but remain mostly ineffective. Nevertheless, recent research indicates that implementing water retention structures (WRS) at sufficiently large scale shows great promise in stabilizing and even preventing UGs.
Here we aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of such strategy. For this we will install WRS in a representative catchment in Kinshasa affected by UGs. This will be done in close collaboration with local stakeholders. By monitoring and studying participation rates as well as the resulting hydrological effects (e.g., through the involvement of local students), we will develop actionable guidelines to this growing problem in Kinshasa and elsewhere.

Contact us