Latest news with #floodcontrol
CTV News
7 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Saskatoon opens third storm pond aimed at reducing flooding
These dry storm ponds hold water from that flows into storm drains and fill like lakes during intense rainfalls. (Keenan Sorokan / CTV News) The city is hoping a new dry storm pond in Weaver Park will be the latest tool to prevent flooding in one of Saskatoon's most flood-prone neighbourhoods. 'We now know we can provide relief and improve the quality of life for the residents that have flooded several times in recent years and decades,' Russ Munro, the director of Saskatoon Water, said at an event unveiling the project Monday. The dry pond at Weaver Park is part of a multi-year flood control strategy the city has been working on since 2018. The Government of Canada contributed $21.6 million towards the $54 million nine-project strategy. The final flood mitigation project is set to finish in 2027. These dry storm ponds hold water from that flows into storm drains and fill like lakes during intense rainfalls. From there, the water flows toward and empties into the South Saskatchewan River. Saskatoon - Storm water retention ponds When not storing flood water, the dry ponds serve as additional park space for ... whatever you might normally do there. (Keenan Sorokan / CTV News) When it rains, it no longer pours onto Dufferin Avenue and Butte Street in Avalon, one of the lowest lying areas that's experienced plenty of floods in recent decades. 'People would canoe and kayak on the street,' Harry Jonasson, a resident on Dufferin Avenue, said. 'The water's about three or four feet deep in the middle.' Jonasson has lived in his house for 11 years and can remember four flash floods that pushed water near his front step. The dry pond at Weaver Park was completed last fall, and Jonasson hasn't noticed any issues since then. 'I could be wrong, but the evidence seems to indicate that it's going to work just fine,' he said. The city got to run an unplanned test of one of its dry ponds on June 20, 2022. Upwards of 75 millimeters of rain fell in some areas over the course of one hour. A dry pond in W.W. Ashley Park filled and potentially avoided plenty of damage in Haultain, one of the riskiest neigbourhoods in Saskatoon for experiencing floods. 'It's always rewarding to see the design tested and it work exactly like it's supposed to,' Munro said. Work begins on the city's fifth and sixth dry ponds at Cumberland Park and on University of Saskatchewan land adjacent to 14th St East later this month. Landscape work begins at the dry pond at Brevoort Park South next month.
CTV News
10 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
‘About time': Sussex, N.B., residents relieved flood plan will proceed
Holman Avenue is covered in water in Sussex, N.B., on Feb. 29, 2024. It's been a long time coming for residents and municipal leaders of Sussex and the surrounding area. Last week, the town was given approval by the federal government to proceed with a flood diversion project. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) announced a review of the Sussex Region Flood Diversion Project was complete and determined any potential negative impacts would be limited or addressed, so the town is free to start permits and other paperwork. 'About time. We should have had it a long time ago,' said Sussex resident Susan Black. 'Our homes are getting destroyed. Over on Holman Avenue, Stewart Avenue, Maple Avenue, it was the worst it has ever been in the last couple of years. We're tired of re-doing basements.' On Feb. 29, 2024 the region received up to 200 millimetres of rain overnight causing major flooding, road closures and forcing some residents from their homes. Severe weather events in the area have caused millions in damages over the past decade. Late last year, the town proposed the construction and operation of a new, permanent flood control management system and submitted documents to the IAAC. The project involves the construction of two new flood diversion channels that will divert flood waters from Trout Creek and Parsons Brook to the Kennebecasis River during flood events. N.B. flood A resident paddles her kayak at Darlings Island, N.B. on Thursday, May 3, 2018 as the Kennebecasis River flooded the only road into the community. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan Town of Sussex CAO, Jason Thorne, said Ottawa's approval of the $38-million project is very significant news for the flood mitigation project. 'There will be no federal comments or inputs required in the environmental assessment process going forward for this project,' said Thorne. 'So what that means is a shortening of the timeline by as much as three years and cutting the cost of this overall project down by as much as $250,000.' The project is being funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Thorne said the intent is to divert flood waters around the community rather than the traditional path through the downtown core. 'Mitigating upwards of $60 million in damages per flood event,' said Thorne. Julie Duplessie's family is relatively new to Sussex, but she said it's great news for the town. 'A lot of people have had a hard time over the years that we've heard,' said Duplessie. 'We are newer to the community in the last few years, but I know I've heard a lot of stories and problems that people have had so I think it's a really good thing for the town.' Georgina Dickens Moore said the town's plan should help all residents in the area. 'Cut down on all of the damage that they've had,' said Dickens Moore. 'A lot of basements being ruined. Insurance. A lot of houses maybe don't have insurance. The diversion plan is very good.' Thorne said the project is actually several smaller projects rolled into one and the first stage, a berm construction in Ward 2 of the community, is already underway. 'Which will protect upwards of 40 homes from future flooding events. The project window for that is actually over the course of this summer heading into fall and that work is underway right now,' said Thorne. Thorne said the hope is the project will be wrapped up heading into 2028. Sussex flooding Water rises up to the doorsteps of Sussex-area homes in New Brunswick on Feb. 29, 2024. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Gombe govt signs multi-billion naira contract for 18km gully erosion control project
The Gombe State Government on Wednesday signed a multi-billion Naira contract for an 18km gully erosion control project within Gombe metropolitan city, aimed at protecting residents from annual flooding that has long defied solution. Speaking at the official contract signing ceremony and groundbreaking for the GGMC Doma Gully Erosion Control Project—held at Hayin Misau in Gombe Metropolis—Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration's commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of lives and livelihoods across the state. The project, which spans 18 kilometres, is designed to mitigate one of the most severe gully erosion problems affecting the area. Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in his address, reaffirmed that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has prioritised environmental protection and public safety. He highlighted several strategic interventions introduced under his leadership, starting with the flagship Gombe Goes Green (3G) project, which has resulted in the planting of over five million trees to combat desertification and support environmental regeneration. He further cited successful erosion control projects carried out under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), including the GSU gully reclamation, the 21km FCE(T) gully control, and the 7.5km erosion corridor stretching from International Hotel to the Commissioner of Police's residence. The Governor announced that compensation would be paid to all individuals affected within the 10-metre buffer zone of the project area. He added that the project would also empower local communities by providing resilience-building support, such as fishponds, poultry farms, and other sustainable livelihood initiatives. The GGMC Doma project was awarded to Triacta Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of ₦48.6 billion, with a completion timeframe of 30 months. 'I extend my profound appreciation to the ACReSAL National Coordination Office led by Dr Abdulhamid Umar and the World Bank Task Team Lead, Dr Joy Iganya Agene, for their sustained technical and financial support. I also thank all stakeholders involved in this transformative effort,' the Governor stated. He urged residents to take ownership of the project and protect it from vandalism, describing it as a collective investment and a legacy for future generations. Governor Yahaya also flagged off the compensation payment, presenting symbolic cheques to affected individuals. Additionally, he commissioned the distribution of agricultural and mobility assets, including 12 tractors, 3 Hilux utility vehicles, 12 tricycles, and 1 Hiace bus, to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental resilience. In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Forest and Water Resources, Hon. Saidu Mohammed Fawu, revealed that over 200 active gullies exist across the state. He noted that past interventions such as the 21km FCE(T) gully project have safeguarded nine vulnerable communities and that more than ₦2.1 billion has been disbursed as compensation. According to him, 'We estimate that over 1.8 million people will directly or indirectly benefit from this intervention,' he added, urging the contractors to ensure timely and high-quality delivery. Also speaking, Chairman of Akko Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Danladi Adamu, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for the life-saving initiative. 'For years, communities around this gully have suffered. Many administrations came and went, making empty promises. But today, we are witnessing real, tangible transformation,' he said. He described the Bogo–Hayin Misau Bridge and erosion control works as iconic, saying they have brought safety and renewed hope to numerous residents. He also commended other impactful projects executed in Akko, including roads, healthcare, and education. Hon. Musa Muhammad Wuro Biriji, Member representing Akko North in the Gombe State House of Assembly, echoed similar sentiments. 'We've raised our voices for years, but only now under Governor Inuwa Yahaya have our cries been heard. We feel seen, heard, and supported.' Managing Director of Triacta Nigeria Limited, Engr. Eli Abu Fahad, assured the state government and its citizens of timely and high-quality delivery. 'This is not just a contract, it's a mission to save lives and preserve the environment. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of execution,' he said. In a goodwill message, the Lamido of Gona, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdussalam, commended the prioritisation of erosion control, describing it as essential for land preservation, food security, and sustainable development. He also lauded the Governor for ensuring that compensation was provided to affected residents. 'This is not merely an engineering feat, it is a legacy of protection, prosperity, and environmental stewardship,' the royal father remarked. Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Sani Adamu Jauro, State Coordinator of the ACReSAL Project, noted that the 21km FCE(T) gully erosion control project had reached 98% completion and had attracted commendation from the World Bank and other partners. 'Security has improved, school enrolment is rising, health risks are declining, and the quality of life is improving significantly in the impacted communities,' he said. He emphasised that all activities are in alignment with the Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM), which serves as the blueprint for Governor Yahaya's inclusive and sustainable development vision. Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Dr Sadiq Adamu, Chairman of the Hayin Misau Development Association, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for turning a long-standing dream into reality. 'Since 1967, this bridge and gully intervention were mere political promises. You are the first leader who have turned it into a reality,' he said. He praised the resilience and foresight of the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration and pledged the community's support in safeguarding the project and ensuring its long-term impact. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
South China Morning Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China is building the world's tallest dam. It's just started storing water
The Shuangjiangkou hydropower project in southwest China – which will be the world's tallest dam when completed – began storing water on May 1, its developer said, taking it a step closer to getting up and running. Advertisement The 36 billion yuan (US$4.9 billion) project in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, in Sichuan province, has been under construction for nearly a decade and will be used for power generation and flood control. It is situated upstream of the Dadu River, which flows from the eastern Tibetan Plateau into the Sichuan Basin. State-owned Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) is building the project – the dam, a diversion and power generation system, as well as flood discharge structures. When finished the dam will be 315 metres (1,033 feet) high – about the same height as a skyscraper with more than 100 storeys and 10 metres taller than the current record holder, the Jinping-I dam, also in Sichuan. The hydropower dam will be 315 metres high once completed. Photo: Handout PowerChina said in a statement on Tuesday that the water level was at 2,344 metres after the first phase of water storage was completed – about 80 metres higher than the original river level.
