Title: Suspension of rail traffic between Mwene-Ditu and Kananga following a landslide
Introduction :
The National Railway Company of Congo (SNCC) recently announced the suspension of rail traffic between the towns of Mwene-Ditu and Kananga. This decision follows a landslide on the railway line, leading to the suspension of the “Colombe” train and leaving many passengers stranded. This incident required repair work which should last approximately one month. In this article, we will examine in detail the consequences of this landslide and the efforts undertaken to restore rail traffic in the region.
The background of the incident:
The landslide occurred between Kele and Lubi stations, at kilometers 505 and 506, in Mbukula village, Kamiji (Lomami) territory. A peasant in the region was the first to report this incident to the head of the entity, who immediately informed the SNCC. The landslide swept away nearly 70 meters of earth, leaving the railway line suspended in the air.
The impact on rail traffic and passengers:
As a result of this landslide, the “Colombe” train is blocked in Kananga and cannot return to Lubumbashi, leaving the passengers who were waiting for the train for the return journey in uncertainty. The suspension of rail traffic also affects the towns of Mwene-Ditu and other railway stations in the region. Passengers therefore face delays and disruptions in their journeys.
Repair work in progress:
The SNCC has already undertaken repair work to restore the railway line. However, these works are complex and require the use of machinery to backfill the earth, create a deviation and a variation. Unfortunately, all the necessary equipment is not available in Mwene-Ditu, which adds an additional constraint to the duration of the works. Work is expected to last at least a month before normal rail traffic can resume.
Conclusion :
The landslide on the railway between Mwene-Ditu and Kananga led to the suspension of rail traffic in the region, leaving passengers stranded and facing delays and disruptions. SNCC is currently working on the repair work needed to restore the track, but this work is expected to take time due to logistical constraints. It is therefore essential to follow developments closely to know when rail traffic can resume as normal