Urban Stormwater Flood Management in the Cordeiro Watershed, São Paulo, Brazil: Are Socio-Political Aspects Incorporated Into the Technical Intervention? (PAP014963)

Código

PAP014963

Autores

MARIA LUCIA GUILHERME BORBA, J. F. Warneri, M. F. A. Porto

Tema

Flood resilient societies through community preparedness

Resumo

In the urban Cordeiro Watershed, São Paulo, Brazil, impervious surface has reduced stormwater infiltration and the drainage system has become insufficient. Engineering firms have been contracted, under government supervision, to design and implement the construction of six water reservoirs to reduce the frequent flooding impacts. The main purpose of this article is to contribute to the study of the relation between technical and socio-political aspects of urban stormwater drainage, as technical solutions alone have been considered not sufficient. A research carried out shows that local actors see themselves as responsible for the main cause of urban stormwater flooding ? solid waste dumped in public places ? and that they construct protective infrastructure in their homes and businesses. However, no effort is made by the constructing firms nor by the local government to involve them in strategies to increase the benefits of the engineering technical solution and meet the collective interest. Relevant literature suggests that attention given to social-political complexities during planning and construction of technical solutions and a stronger interaction between technical staff, social actors and local government offer an opportunity to evolve from individual self-reliance into a collective strategy of resilience, enhancing the effectiveness of flood risk management practices.