Flood Prevention
Goals
To allow access to unused labor hours available from the unemployed individuals willing to join the Mutual Aid Group that focuses on stormwater retention and detention basins. Mutual Aid Groups working in this area of focus will help prevent stormwater runoff damages to sewers, streams, rivers, plantations, and houses, reducing erosion, controlling flooding, and protecting against the elements and natural disasters.
Overview
- This Mutual Aid Group consists of stormwater basins workers who will work with partnering organizations to build and maintain detention and retention basins in the Communal Section. They build, clean, and maintain detention and retention basins in selected areas as instructed by the assigned organizations. They can be assigned to work with any organization operating in the communal section (e.g., agricultural extension agents, field coordinators, the National Equipment Center, non-governmental, private and public organizations, regional, departmental and communal offices, etc.). They use their tools, and their transportation means. They receive a monthly participation incentive from Reciprocitas and weekly training from their assigned organization. A Mutual Aid Group Facilitator supervises them. The Mutual Aid Group facilitators receive training to conduct groups and keep records. They are not subject-matter experts.
- A Communal Section may have more than one Mutual Aid Group with a focus on flood prevention. Tree planters and ex-producers of charcoal and the individuals and families residing in the vicinity of the watersheds in return obtain suitable seeds, tools, and other items necessary for plant nurseries and provide the plants to be used by stormwater basins workers in their reforestation efforts. They also join Farmers Field Schools when these are available in the communal section.
Job description
- They work on watershed development, soil conservation, and reforestation.
- They build detention and retention basins to control flood flows.
- They provide maintenance to ensure that the basin's orifice does not become blocked or clogged.
- They keep the pipes clear of debris and will ensure the ponds and basins are functioning correctly.
- They keep up with maintenance to avoid costly repairs in the future.
- They identify and repair areas of erosion.
- A few times a year and after major storms, they check for gullies and other disturbances on the bank.
- They remove sediment and debris before a storm - Keeping pipes clear of debris and removing residue ensures proper function.
- They remove debris around and in ponds before it reaches the outlets to prevent problems.
- They maintain vegetation - The amount of maintenance depends on the type of vegetation surrounding the basin. Some grasses need weekly mowing, and others, a couple of times a year.