In the north-western state of Niger, floods washed away rail lines between Wushishi and Pakara in Niger State, disrupting train services. According to an official statement from the Federal Ministry of Transport, the managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Ayo Bakare, told Transport Minister Kema Chikwe, at the weekend, that the situation could worsen. Bakare said constant rains had increased water at the Kainji Dam causing it to overflow into nearby rivers.
However, he said temporary girders had been erected that would enable trains to run at a slow speed, until the rains end and permanent repairs could be made. Repairs are expected to cost 43 million naira (US $460,879). NAN quotes Chikwe as assuring the railway corporation of prompt government help to rehabilitate damaged areas.
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