(a) Highlight any three advantages of each of the following modes of transport (i) Rail (ii) Water
(b) Give four reasons why some countries in Africa have not been able to sustain their rail transport
Explanation
(a)(i) The advantages of rail transport are: (i) Opening of new areas (ii) Low cost of maintenance. (iii) Ease of transporting bulky goods.
(iv) Cheap transport mode. (v) Can easily transport many passengers. (vi) Suitable for both medium and long distance haulage.
(vii) Used in circumventing interruptions along courses. (viii) Not prone to traffic congestion. (ix) Occupy less space.
(x) Relatively safe for passenger traffic.
(a)(ii) The advantages of water transport are: (i) Cheapest means of transportation
(ii) Low cost of construction. (iii) Free passage for all nations. (iv) Good for passenger traffic. (v) Suitable for large freight.
(vi) Capable of transporting heavy goods. (vii) Relatively safe for passenger traffic. (viii) Low cost of maintenance..
(ix) Facilitates international trade.
(b) Reasons why some countries in Africa have not been able to sustain their rail transport system are:
(i) High cost of fuel.
(ii) Low passengers. (iii) Inadequate capital. (iv) Inadequate technical know-how. (v) Inadequate spare parts.
(vi) Dwindling mineral reserves. (vii) Poor maintenance culture. (viii) Poor management.
(ix) Competition with other modes of transport.
(x) High cost of infrastructural development. (xi) Low freight/Cargo.
(xii) Absence of door-to-door services.
(xiii) Unstable government policies.