Theory question 103
Transport, Trade and Tourism(a) In what four ways is air transportation different from water transportation? (b) Highlight three major contributions of transportation to national development (c) State any three problems of water transportation in Tropical Africa
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(a) Air is much faster; water carries bulky heavy goods more cheaply; air is not restricted by relief or water bodies while water transport is restricted to seas, rivers and lakes; air is mainly for passengers, mail and valuable/perishable goods while water carries bulk cargo; air is more expensive per tonne; air is disrupted by poor visibility, water by rapids, falls and low water.
(b) Promotes trade and market growth; creates jobs; government revenue; movement of people and national unity; opens up remote areas; tourism; defence.
(c) Rapids and waterfalls; seasonal low water; floating weeds; sandbars and silting; high cost of dredging and port facilities; pilfering at ports.
Make each difference a direct comparison.