Theory question 102
Transport, Trade and Tourism(a) Highlight any three advantages of each of the following modes of transport: (i) Rail; (ii) Water. (b) Give any four reasons why some countries in Africa have not been able to sustain their rail transport.
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(a)(i) Rail: carries bulky and heavy goods cheaply over long distances; carries many passengers at once; opens up new areas; no traffic congestion; safer than road; reliable timetables.
(ii) Water: cheapest for bulky goods; carries very large loads; low construction cost (natural routes); links countries (international trade); good for heavy and non-perishable goods.
(b) High cost of construction and maintenance; inadequate capital; poor management and corruption; competition from road transport; old narrow-gauge lines and engines; lack of spare parts and skilled staff; low freight and passenger traffic; depletion of the minerals the lines were built for; political instability and unstable policies.
Three points for each mode.