Theory question 103
Transport, Trade and Tourism(a) Explain, giving examples, four ways in which physical factors may hinder the development of road transportation
(b) Discuss any four factors responsible for the poor network of railways in tropical African countries
Show the model answer
(a) Rugged mountains and steep slopes (e.g. Ethiopian highlands, Jos escarpment) – costly cuttings and bends; large rivers needing bridges (Niger, Zaire); swamps and creeks (Niger Delta, Sudd) – unstable ground; heavy rainfall washes roads away, causes erosion and potholes; deserts with shifting sand (Sahara); dense forest to clear
(b) Very high cost of construction and maintenance; lines built in colonial times only to link mines/cash-crop areas to ports; small volume of traffic; difficult terrain; different gauges between countries; lack of skilled personnel and spare parts; competition from road transport; poor management
Give named places as examples.