(a) State six facilities a good seaport should have. (b) In what four ways is transport important to commerce?

Answer Details

(a) Six facilities a good seaport should have

1. Deep water / good harbour: Deep and sheltered water and a natural or artificial harbour to allow large ocean-going vessels to berth safely.
2. Quays, berths and jetties: Adequate berthing space where ships can dock to load and discharge cargo.
3. Cargo-handling equipment: Cranes, forklifts, derricks and conveyor belts for the quick loading and unloading of goods.
4. Warehouses and storage sheds: Covered and open storage, including bonded warehouses and cold storage, for goods awaiting clearance or shipment.
5. Good inland transport links: Efficient road and rail connections linking the port to the interior for onward movement of goods.
6. Customs and other administrative offices: Facilities for customs, immigration, health and port authority to inspect, clear and document cargo and passengers.

(Other points: dry docks and repair yards; tug boats and pilotage; banking, security and fuel/bunkering services.)

(b) Four ways transport is important to commerce

1. Movement of goods: It carries raw materials to factories and finished goods from producers to wholesalers, retailers and consumers, linking production with consumption.
2. Creates place utility / widens the market: By moving goods from where they are produced to where they are needed, it extends markets beyond the local area, even internationally.
3. Movement of people: It conveys traders, workers and businessmen to their places of work and to markets and business meetings.
4. Encourages large-scale production and specialisation: Reliable transport allows firms to produce in bulk for wide markets and enables regions to specialise in what they produce best.

(Other points: makes storage and prompt distribution of perishables possible; aids trade by delivering documents and mail.)