Press Release
☷USACE team members participate in knowledge sharing mission in Africa
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Jan 20,2024
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Steve England from the USACE Philadelphia District recently had discussions about water - related issues with Chadian armed forces and government officials . In September of 2021 , a map of the Chari River along Camp Kossei was examined , and this was followed by another map in September of 2022 . In October , two hydraulic engineers from the USACE traveled to Africa to share their knowledge and expertise on flooding issues . Steve England and Jake Helminiak from the USACE Philadelphia District went to Chad in North Central Africa to meet with Chadian armed forces and government officials , as well as U . S . and French forces , to discuss flooding problems near Camp Kossei . They had previously been to the Kingdom of Eswatini in Sub - Saharan Africa in 2019 for a different water security mission , so this was a familiar opportunity for them . England and Helminiak visited Camp Kossei and the capital city of Chad , N ' Djamena , which is located along the Chari River where Camp Kossei is situated . Over the past 15 years , these areas have faced significant flooding that has affected base operations . Helminiak mentioned that the issues they faced were two - fold , with both river flooding and inland flooding being problems . As Camp Kossei expands , the Chadian officials are trying to be proactive by utilizing existing wetlands and incorporating landscape features to minimize the impact of flooding . This approach is not commonly seen in the U . S . , so it was refreshing for the engineers to witness the Chadians ' awareness of the impact of development on flooding . Before making any decisions regarding the expansion of Camp Kossei , Chadian officials have sought assistance from partners in managing flood risk . England and Helminiak were assigned the task of developing a draft feasibility - level report in Fiscal Year 2024 by the USACE North Atlantic Division and U . S . Africa Command . They believed it was crucial to first understand the flooding issues and the current approach used by the Chadians . This information will help shape recommendations and best practices for managing flood risk . The initial recommendations from their visit include implementing flood warning systems for a proactive flood management approach and installing newer and stronger infrastructure to prevent high river water from flowing into the city . While these ideas are still in the conceptual stage , capital improvements such as stormwater backflow prevention or long - term solutions like river training structures or dredging could prove beneficial . The initial engagement was successful , and Helminiak and England received positive feedback from the State Department and high - ranking officials in the Chadian military . “When we were there , everyone treated us with respect and appreciated [our presence] , including the residents and the military , ” Helminiak said . “It appears that our visit was more than just an engineering visit—it was part of demonstrating that the United States is a good partner and is willing to help . ” The second interaction will likely take place virtually to discuss additional potential solutions . England described the trip to Chad as a "successful and unique experience" and hopes that USACE ' s presence will help the country cope with future flood risk .
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