VIA Water is aiming to solve water problems in the urban context in Africa. Urban growth in combination with industrialization has a huge impact on the scarce water resources on the one hand and on the excess of waste and sludge at the other hand. Climate change provides an additional threat to this context, with longer spells of drought and more intensive flooding, which is enlarged in coastal deltas with sea water inundations and salt water intrusion.

We are happy to announce that we have approved the first project that is planning to respond to the increased problem of flash floods in low lying slum areas. A consortium with Royal HaskoningDHV/Ghana, Infoplaza and Nelen&Schuurmans is going to support the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Ghana for an informed response to the risk of flash floods. A flood warning app will be developed for the lower Odawna  catchment in the western part of Accra, where the poorest people live in the areas with the highest flood risks. The app is based on a rain storm forecast, which is put in a 3Di model for flood prediction. This prediction is then translated into a warning system, that suits the needs of the inhabitants. The storm forecasting is based on several information systems to avoid that it becomes too sensitive for a break down in one of the systems. Specific attention will be given to the possible funding options to keep this model and service up-to-date. The tool has a potential for many other urban areas that suffer from flash floods.