Read the following case study based on the Roads and Road Transport in the SADC Region and answer the questions that follow. Please note that not all answers can be found in the case study.

Roads affect all aspects of development in Southern Africa. Businesses depend on effective roads for transporting their goods, industry relies on roads for delivery of equipment, and people require roads for travel between home, workplaces, and elsewhere in the region.

In comparison with other areas of development, the road network in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is relatively strong. Although it varies from Member State to Member State, 50% of the paved road network was deemed in good condition in 2001. As the road system accounts for the vast majority of surface transport in the region, SADC aims to sustain its current successes in this sector and improve upon them as the region develops in the future. In order to maintain roads and road transport as a priority, SADC passed its Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology in 1996.

The Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology

In signing The Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology, Member States agree to assist in developing an adequate road network that supports the socioeconomic growth underway in the region. This network needs to provide access to major centres, ports, and harbours, while minimising road transport costs and impacts to the environment.

In order to craft this network, the Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology requires Member States to collaborate on a harmonised regional road policy that provides for monitoring the effectiveness of road infrastructure, introducing commercial practices for supporting roads, and developing strategies for reducing operating costs.

The Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology also advises Member States to adopt a harmonised policy on road transport that supports commercial transport enterprises through equal treatment, non-discrimination, reciprocity, and fair competition.

Current Status

As assessed in 2001, the road infrastructure in Southern Africa is comparatively strong. Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia have particularly good road standards; similarly, two-thirds of the road network of South Africa and Zimbabwe remain in good condition. However, road maintenance has been neglected in Angola and Mozambique, where 90% of roads are deemed in fair to poor conditions. Fortunately, Mozambique has recently undertaken a major road rehabilitation programme to increase these conditions.

Yet, certain key locations still maintain missing road links, disabling road transport along vital corridors. These missing links lie predominantly in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo a substantial concern due to these Member States large extractive industries that rely heavily on roads to facilitate trade through transport. Although traffic volumes are low, these two Member States need new roads constructed alongside the necessary repairs to damage caused by conflict and neglect.

The cost of road maintenance remains an issue for the region as a whole. While Member States recognise the importance of a functional, integrated road network, funding is often diverted into other sectors. Likewise, significant funds have previously been put into the road network but were inefficiently managed by governments in many Member States. With traditional top-down approaches to funding for repairs and construction proving ineffective, SADC is currently exploring new systems of funding, including public-private partnerships and user-pays principles.

Q.1.1 Roads can either build or hinder the development of Member States.

Based on your understanding of the case study, to what extent you agree or disagree with the statement above. Justify your answer.

Your answer should include a discussion on at least 2 key points.

Q.1.2 In your opinion, what is the importance of signing The Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology.

Your answer should include at least 3 key points

Q.1.3 As indicated, the cost of road maintenance is an issue for Member States.

Discuss any 3 disadvantages of road transportation that can arise as a result of proper road maintenance not being carried out.

Q.1.4 ...certain key locations still maintain missing road links, disabling road transport along vital corridors

You are required to assess the economic impact of transportation on developing countries and given the circumstance of Angola and the DRC comment on whether or not they will favourably realising this impact.

When commenting on the applicability of Angola and the DRC in realising this impact, you are to discuss any 2 key points.

Q..1.5 Explain to the Member States of the SADC the importance to consider population infrastructure as a factor which influences transportation technology systems