Multi-Criteria Analysis Of Suitable Sites For Establishment Of Reservoir In Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

Abstract

Water is one of the most undervalued resources on earth. One of the ways to conserve this resource is through construction of dams/reservoirs. The scarcity of irrigation water in Nnamdi Azikiwe University especially during dry season can be resolved by the siting of a reservoir. Choosing a suitable site is a crucial phase in reservoir construction. However, due to the complexity of reservoir site selection, the multi criteria decision analysis techniques when integrated with Geographic Information System offers a possible way of making optimal decisions in selecting site for the construction of a reservoir. The aim of this study was to identify and assess suitable sites for establishment of reservoir in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka using multi-criteria decision analysis. The criteria considered include slope, land use/land cover types and watersheds. These criteria were classified according to their rank of suitability. Weighted linear combination was applied to determine the suitable sites for establishing reservoir in the Institution. The suitability calculator tool available in ArcGIS software was used to determine the most suitable sites for location of reservoir in the Institution. About 71 areas were initially identified as suitable sites for locating the reservoir. The areas were further subjected to further analysis and field validation test. The result of the field validation reveals that only two sites were suitable for establishment of reservoir in the Institution. The study, therefore recommends that geotechnical and hydro-geological detailed investigations and environmental impact assessment be carried out on the proposed suitable sites before actual commencement of the project.