Academic community at Department of Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya (FT-UB) had a visit of civil hydro experts from University Sains Malaysia (USM) Prof. Dr. Nor Azazi Zakaria.
Nor Azazi who is also the Director of River Engineering Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) gave a guest lecture titled “Latest Malaysian Stormwater Management Scenario”, at the Auditorium of Prof. Ir. Suryono, Wednesday (23/Dec/2015).
In his speech in front of hundreds of lecturers and students, this former student of the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom presented his idea about management of rainwater that is not absorbed by the soil, and afterwards flows on the streets, tiles, and so on.
The concept is known as Stormwater Management. If not treated properly, the water could be dangerous because it is saturated with pollutants when heading to the drainage.
“Flooding, water availability, and water pollution are national issues that are related to each other. We are blessed with abundant natural water resources, of which more than 4.5 times of the world average,” the lecturer of USM School of Civil Engineering explained.
Therefore, he offered several solutions to address issues related to sustainable development approach that has become a national pilot project in Malaysia. A concept he introduced was Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) or Bio-Ecological Drainage System (BIOECODS).
With the motto “Make Every Drop Count”, he admitted that the concept he has been offering has transformed Malaysia into a country that conserves water.
“There are many products from our research that can be taken to Indonesia. This is a great opportunity to increase cooperation,” the Executive Committee of Malaysian Stormwater Organisation (MSO) said. [and/mic/Humas UB]
