Engineering in development: transport

Abstract

This book is part of a series by Engineers Without Borders UK on technological solutions to the challenge of poverty alleviation. Basic transport infrastructure such as safe roads and bridges are largely taken for granted in the developed world yet silently play a major role in society. In combination with suitable vehicles, this infrastructure boosts mobility, allows access to essential services and, when designed well, enables healthy and sustainable travel for all. These benefits become clear in areas lacking basic transportation technologies. In many areas in low income countries moving food, water and people is difficult and dangerous. Poor quality roads mean that motorised transport further damages critical routes and the local environment, making travel hazardous and unpleasant for other road users. In terms of road accidents and access to medical services, poor transport kills.This book is about how to address some of these issues from an engineering perspective. Transport in Development does not prescribe solutions that attempt to emulate the developed world - where ubiquitous cars have caused entrenched problems of their own. Instead, it takes a pragmatic approach to transport problems, focussing on solutions that can realistically be implemented by a well-organised local community. Based on the 'appropriate technology' ethic, the book provides an overview to solutions - in terms of vehicles and infrastructure - that have been tried and tested.