INTRODUCTION
Kainji Dam is one of the longest dams in the world. It is also the first dam to be built in Nigeria. It is around 50 years old dam and still fully functional. It is constructed across the famous river Niger, in the northern parts of Nigeria.
The construction work of the dam started in the year 1964. In 1968, the dam was completed and operated for the first time since. The development operation was conducted out by Italian Civil Engineering Contractors and Joint Consultants, Balfour Beatty and Nedeco.
Many people were forced to resettle when the construction work started. And this increased the marginal cost of the dam. Around $209 million was spent on its full and final construction.
DIMENSIONS
Kainji Dam stretches approximately 10 kilometres in length. The dam is made up of the mixture of both earth and concrete. The principal section of the dam is around 550 metres across the river. The centre of the dam is 65 metres high. This makes it one of the longest dams in the world.
LOCK
The dam has a single-lock container proficient of uplifting ships 49 metres (161 ft).
POWER STATIONS
The installations of the turbines on the dam have not been carried so well as thought. Only 8 turbines work as compared to the 12 installed. 4 others have already given up their duties. The loss in the turbine, in turn, affected the generation capacity of the energy. Designed to produce 960 MegaWatts, it could only generate 760 MegaWatts. The dam is a huge source of electricity for the whole nation. The productions happen so that electricity is even sold to the neighbouring countries. The main challenge faced by the officials maintaining the is drought conditions. The dam could not generate output as predicted.
USE OF DAM
The dam was built looking after many important facts for the local people and the nation. The dam contributes electrical energy, water control of the Niger down to the Kaduna River confluence, enhanced river navigation upstream to Yelwa in Kebbi state, as well as waters for irrigation and fishing.
The dam also supports basics amenities to the people like boating, picnic spots, camping grounds, etc.
Besides helping the farmers, it helps the local areas save from destruction of life and wealth through flood situations.
Dams form reservoirs that supply water for many uses, including industrial, corporate, and agricultural.
Moreover, dams render magnified environmental stability, such as the retention of precarious substances and pernicious sedimentation.
