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13.2 Policy Measures
Service Targets for Flood Water Control
The GOJ’s policy is to ensure that flood waters are so managed that the risk to loss of life is zero, and for property damage as minimal as possible. Additionally, flood waters will be adequately managed to protect the environment, including the capacity of watersheds to meet sustainable demands on water resources.
The GOJ and service providers recognize the need to improve flood water control infrastructure. To provide institutional clarity, the GOJ is committed to seek amendment to the Water Resources Act to assign planning and regulatory functions to the Water Resources Authority. The GOJ will also develop and adopt a comprehensive Flood Water Master Plan.
13.2.1 Technical
Flood water control and drainage service providers will utilize the least-cost methods that will effectively meet the policy objectives for flood water control.
Methods should conform to international best practices for flood water control and watershed management. Specifically, the GOJ will encourage the following practices where they are economical:
Using natural features, such as floodplains and swales, to accommodate flood water runoff;
Construction of permeable rather than impermeable surfaces on commercial and residential plots; and
Harvesting of flood waters through groundwater recharge and storage.
13.2.2 Institutional
Institutional responsibilities for flood water control are divided among entities with responsibility for providing flood water control services and those with responsibility for planning flood water control efforts.
Entities with responsibility for providing flood water control services
Flood water control responsibilities are assigned as follows:
x Municipal Corporations and Local Authorities—responsible for local roads and
settlements.
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