Sustainable Development of the Nile River at Greater Khartoum

Sudan is the largest country in Africa, but there is poverty and a lack of infrastructure, skills and opportunity despite its substantial natural resources. The capital of Sudan is Khartoum City, located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile Rivers. Unfortunately development on Nile River Front is limited due to the risk of flooding and erosion. There is a danger that rapid economic development may take place in this unique area without sustainable development planning. This research project aims to develop strategies to protect the Nile River banks by suitable stabilization methods so that development can take place safely. Data has been collected about hydrology, morphology, geotechnical factors, soil classifications, river pattern systems, driving forces, and the main problems restricting sustainable development and engineering works for the Nile River. In addition the following have been reviewed: historical background, existing land uses, current environmental situations, and the economic and social conditions of the study areas. Research identified Cairo, Egypt as a similar case study, where data collected by the author included historical background, current situations, strategic visions and development plan for Nile River Shores. Further information was collected about sustainable development from a general literature review. From these collected data a set of guidelines and indicators for sustainable development was established related to environmental, economic and social factors. Based on those guidelines and indicators, methods of stabilization of the banks for each shore were specified and a proposed development plan was established. Methods of stabilization of banks and the development plan were refined and evaluated to establish a final version of the development plan: Sustainable Development of the Nile River Front (SDNRF) at Greater Khartoum. From refinement and evaluations, barriers and constraints for implementation were specified with their suggested solutions. Finally, conclusions and recommendations related to the SDNRF Manual about development and regulations were established