(a) Of what importance is the Aswan High Dam to the Nile Basin? (b) Identify...
(a) Of what importance is the Aswan High Dam to the Nile Basin?
(b) Identify four problems resulting from the construction of the dam.
Explanation
(a) Economic importance of Aswan High Dam to the Nile Basin are:
(i) Generation of Hydro-electric power (electricity)
(ii) Aswan dam also serves irrigation purposes. This enables the people to farm throughout the year
(iii) Dam is also used as fishing ground
(iv) Aswan dam also provides source of water for domestic and industrial uses
(v) Aswan dam also serves as tourist centre where revenue can be generated.
(b) Four problems resulting from the construction of dams are:
(i) There may be low level of water in the river which may hamper navigation and other activities
(ii) The collapse of the dam may lead to flooding of the plain which may cause damage to life and properties
(iii) Huge amount of money which would have been utilized in some useful projects is lost through the construction of dam
(iv) Shortage of water in the river during dry season may hamper the normal functioning of the dam.