Kainji Dam


Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. Construction of the dam was carried out by Impregilo to designs by Joint Consultants, Balfour Beatty and Nedeco, and began in 1964 to be completed in 1968. The total cost was estimated at US$209 million, with one-quarter of this amount used to resettle people displaced by the construction of the dam and its reservoir, Kainji Lake.

Dimensions

Kainji Dam extends for about, including its saddle dam, which closes off a tributary valley. The primary section across the outflow to the Niger is. Most of the structure is made from earth, but the centre section, housing the hydroelectric turbines, was built from concrete. This section is high. Kanji Dam is one of the longest dams in the world.

Power station

The dam was designed to have a generating capacity of ; however, only 8 of its 12 turbines have been installed, reducing the capacity to. The dam generates electricity for all the large cities in Nigeria. Some of the electricity is sold to the neighbouring country of Niger. In addition, occasional droughts have made the Niger's water flow unpredictable, diminishing the dam's electrical output.

Lock

The dam has a single-lock chamber capable of lifting barges.

Discharge flooding

In October 1998 in response to upstream flooding, a torrent of water was released from the dam, bursting the river banks. Downstream from the dam 60 villages were flooded. Domestic animals drowned and dikes as well as several farms were washed away. Dam officials were criticized for waiting too long before starting, then dumping too much water.

Lake Kainji

measures about long and about at its widest point, and supports irrigation and a local fishing industry. In 1999, uncoordinated opening of floodgates led to local flooding of about 60 villages.