Theory question 103
Transport, Trade and TourismDescribe rail transportation in Tropical Africa under the following headings: (a) four advantages; (b) three problems affecting rail transportation; (c) one solution to each of the problems stated in 3 (b).
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(a) Cheap for bulky goods over long distances; carries heavy loads (minerals, crops); fairly safe; little affected by weather; no traffic congestion; opens up the interior.
(b) Narrow gauge and single tracks; old locomotives and slow speed; poor maintenance and shortage of spare parts; inadequate funding; poor management; competition from road transport; vandalism and insecurity.
(c) Change to standard gauge and double tracks; buy modern locomotives; regular maintenance and local fabrication of parts; more funding and private participation; better management and training; security patrols and punishment of vandals.
Pair each solution with its problem.