Belgian Congo 63 NAVIGATION ; RAILWAYS a the central basin, as well as those in the basin of the Lualaba, offer additional facilities for the development of inland navigation . Tanganyika, which is over 400 miles in length, is specially important. On its western shore are the Belgian ports of Uvira and Albertville, the latter being near the head of the Kabalo Railway. The construction of a canal between Matadi and Léopoldville at a cost of £ 4,000,000 has been proposed with a view to relieving the congestion of the Congo Railway, but the scheme is hardly likely to be realized .

In addition to waterways navigable for steam boats, there are in the Belgian Congo many rivers and streams which are capable of being utilized for the transport of produce by means of canoes. These craft, made by the natives from the trunks of forest trees, are propelled by long bamboo or raphia poles. They are strong and last for years, and in spite of their weight and apparent clumsiness can under skilful control be guided with astonishing ease even over rapids and broken water.

(c ) Railways 1 The following railways are now working : (a) The Congo Railway (Chemin de fer du Congo ), from Matadi to Léopoldville, a single line, 0.765 metre gauge, 248 miles in length, linking the estuary navigation with that of the Congo basin . Begun in 1893 , it took six years to construct. Its highest point is at Thysville, 2,444 ft. above sea-level. Matadi is 20 feet and Léopoldville 1,000 feet above sea-level. The line has many severe gradients and sharp curves. Three passenger trains a week : run in each direction . In 1913 freight charges were reduced ; that on raw rubber was lowered from 130 francs (£17 4s. ) to 135 francs ( £ 5 8s. ) per ton.

1 For the relations of the railway companies to the administra tion , see below , pp . 91 , 92. , 1