KAWA MULTIMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Problems of railways in Africa
The plateau of Africa, though broad and flat, can only be reached by traversing several steep escarpments and deep river valleys. These often run parallel to the coasts. Erosion, deep dongas and rivers present continuous obstacles to railway construction.
Along the lines there is also thick vegetation which has to be cut down and which sometimes harbours vectors like tsetse flies and mosquitoes.
Fuel supplies along the lines are also difficult as most of the rails pass through remote areas.
Frequent tropical thunderstorms may wash away vital sections of the rails. For example, most of Kenya and Uganda are at times cut off from the coast because some parts of the rail-lines have been washed away.
Landslides sometimes destroy bridges, and in some areas sandstorms cover the railways to great depths-
1. The track must also be maintained over vast unproductive distances, which is quite expensive.
Along the lines there is also thick vegetation which has to be cut down and which sometimes harbours vectors like tsetse flies and mosquitoes.
Fuel supplies along the lines are also difficult as most of the rails pass through remote areas.
Frequent tropical thunderstorms may wash away vital sections of the rails. For example, most of Kenya and Uganda are at times cut off from the coast because some parts of the rail-lines have been washed away.
Landslides sometimes destroy bridges, and in some areas sandstorms cover the railways to great depths-
1. The track must also be maintained over vast unproductive distances, which is quite expensive.