A Strategy for Rail and Road Transportation in Southern Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	A Strategy for Rail and Road Transportation in Southern Africa
Author:	Maasdorp, Gavin
Year:	2001
Periodical:	Africa Insight
Volume:	21
Issue:	1
Pages:	7-13
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Southern Africa
Subjects:	rail transport road transport Development and Technology
Abstract:	This paper on the problems, needs and challenges of the future international transport issues in Southern Africa starts with a brief summary of developments in the transport sector over the past quarter-century. The major features in this period have been the dislocation of the traditional transport routes of most of the landlocked countries, a decline in operating and maintenance standards, and the growing competition between rail and road transport for long distance international traffic. In postapartheid Southern Africa, the transport sector is likely to be a key determinant of economic recovery, enabling the region amongst others to conduct its foreign trade efficiently. This requires a development strategy built around: 1) ensuring that shippers are able to use the most economic route and mode for any particular consignment; 2) promoting the better utilization and maintenance of existing facilities; and 3) improving regional cooperation. This paper was presented at a conference on 'Southern Africa towards the year 2000', held at the University of Pretoria on 29 and 30 October 1990. Ref.