This study is carried out to review various research works carried out by researchers on the effects of poor drainage on road pavement. Poor drainage causes early pavement distresses leading to driving problems and structural failures of roads as pointed out by researchers. To prevent or minimize premature pavement failures and to enhance the performance of the road, it is imperative to provide adequate drainage, the review covered: the importance of highway drainage systems in road construction, requirements of the highway drainage systems, and effects of the bad drainage systems on roads. The research pointed out areas of concern for drainage designers and road engineers that are of great importance during road construction to ensure that, the constructed road is put to use without failure before the actual design life. The review concluded that the effect of poor drainage conditions on a road is very adverse. It causes the failure of roads in different ways and as well economic hardship on inhabitants of affected communities with the devastating effect of sicknesses as a result of breeding of mosquito especially on streets in towns with poor drainage capacity. Proper drainage system provided to the road at its early edge. Therefore effective engineering practices should be considered necessary during the design, construction, and management of roads and drainage channels.