(a) Describe the factors which favour the development of hydro-electric power (HEP) resources (b) State the benefits of hydro-electric power supply to the people of Nigeria (c) Outline three major problems facing the development of HEP in Nigeria
Explanation
(a)Factors that favour the development of H.E.P: (i) Adequate rainfall for steady supply of water to the rivers (ii) Presence of big rivers (iii) Large market for electricity (iv) Presence of rapids and waterfalls (v) A firm narrow rock-base for dam-site (vi) Availability of capital (vii) Skilled labour (b) Benefits of H.E.P Supply: (i) Domestic use e.g home lighting, cooking and powering all sorts of equipment (ii)Agricultural processing (iii) Industrial use (manufacturing) (iv) Mining (v) Office use, e.g lighting and powering computer and other equipment (vi) Local craft-making (vii) Revenue to the government (foreign exchange) (viii) Mass production of goods and services (ix) Higher standard of living by making life easier (c) Problems facing the development of H.E.P: (i) Low level of technology (ii) Seasonal fluctuation of rivers (iii),Inadequate skilled labour (iv) Inadequate spare parts (v) Poor maintenance (vi) Inadequate capital (vii) Uncoordinated use of rivers (viii) Silting of dams