Abstract:
Urban low-income households in informal settlements located in floodplains are highly susceptible
to natural disasters. Regardless there is lack of information on how the growth of the settlements
affects flood frequency in urban areas of Malawi. This study was carried out to assess the effect of
informal urban settlements on flood frequency along the Lingadzi River where the river passes
through urban informal settlements of Mtandire on the right bank and Area 49 Shire on the left
bank. A quantitative research design was applied, the Settlements of Mtandire and Area 49 were
purposely selected while households living around the river were randomly selected from a sample
size of 222. Data was collected through, household surveys, interviews, and the United States
Geological Survey website (USGS). Results show that housing in the settlements is mostly
characterized by single-story and standalone housing with simple architectural designs covering
small areas, constructed from low quality iron sheets, and wall material. Results have also shown
the presence of settlements in the delineated 10, 50, and 100-year flood inundation maps of
Lingadzi River covering Mtandire, Area 49, Mtsiliza and Area 47. Further, results indicate that
community perception incline towards flood occurrence changing in the area with annual flood
occurrence since 2016/17 rain season. The study concludes that construction of low-quality
housing in flood-prone zones, close to the river banks has an impact on increased level of
vulnerability to natural disasters such as flooding in the settlements. Recommendations are made
for serious investment in sensitization campaign and enforcement of existing laws and regulations
from all stakeholders and authorities involved.
