4.1 People living in large urban settlements experience various problems on a daily basis - NSC Geography - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1

Noise pollution is intensified in the heavy industrial zone, where larger machinery and operations contribute to higher noise levels.

Overcrowding results from urban growth, which increases the population density in urban areas.

In South Africa, informal settlements are commonly found on the outskirts of cities as these areas typically offer lower housing costs.

Increasing the number of one-way streets can help streamline traffic flow, reducing congestion.

Air pollution may be reduced by developing more green belts, which can absorb pollutants and provide cleaner air.

The increasing demand for services and infrastructure is greatest in informal settlements, where basic services are often lacking.

Mining is an extractive activity that is an example of the primary economic sector.

The tertiary sector is characterized by transport, as it involves services that support the movement of goods and people.

The overseas market where products are sold outside South Africa is known as the export market.

An example of a value-added product is bread, as it is a transformed product from raw ingredients.

The Maputo Development Corridor links the PWV industrial region with the harbour in Maputo.

The major manufacturing industry in the Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage area is motor vehicle assembly.

An industry that can be established where the modes of transport change is known as a bridge industry.

To promote industrialization along major routes, we can implement spatial development initiatives.

Two characteristics of the CBD include:

1. High land values
2. Commercial and financial activities being concentrated in this area.

The fastest growth is taking place along the main roads due to better accessibility for customers and businesses, facilitating movement and trade.

Two centrifugal forces that drive economic activities from the CBD include:

1. Higher land costs in the CBD prompting businesses to relocate to affordable areas.
2. Increased traffic congestion in the CBD making it less attractive for businesses.

The area of old buildings around the CBD is referred to as the transition zone because it is where different land uses meet, often experiencing gradual change in character.

Two reasons for new urban development on the outskirts of the city include:

1. The availability of more land for affordable housing.
2. Improved infrastructure attracting new business investments.

Urban sprawl refers to the unplanned and uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land.

Urban sprawl typically leads to a decrease in housing density, as it spreads developments over a larger area instead of upwards or concentrated.

Area A was not used for urban development in 1980 due to its proximity to steep slopes, making it unsuitable for construction.

(a) A grid street pattern would be most suitable for area A as it facilitates better movement and organization. (b) A reason is that it allows for efficient connectivity across the settlement.

Urban sprawl at area A in 2020 will likely have significant negative effects on the natural environment. It can lead to the removal of vegetation, which disrupts local ecosystems and contributes to biodiversity loss. Increased construction may also lead to the pollution of soil and water, as runoff collects contaminants from urban surfaces. Furthermore, the expansion can lead to habitat fragmentation for local wildlife, making it challenging for species to thrive. Proactive measures must be considered to mitigate these impacts, ensuring balance between urban development and environmental preservation.

The crop in South Africa that has shown an increase in production since 2014 is soybeans.

The crop showing the greatest decrease in production from 2014 to 2015 is maize.

The relationship between crop yields and hectares planted indicates that as area planted increases, there is usually a higher total yield, but yield per hectare may fluctuate based on other factors such as weather conditions.

Two possible reasons for the relationship noted in QUESTION 4.5.3 include:

1. Improved farming techniques leading to better yield outputs.
2. Varieties of crops that are more resilient or higher yielding.

To improve crop production and meet the needs of the growing South African population, several measures can be introduced. First, the adoption of modern agricultural techniques can enhance yield and efficiency. This may involve the use of precision farming tools and techniques. Second, investing in irrigation systems will ensure consistent water supply, especially in drought-prone areas. Third, providing education and training programs to farmers will empower them to improve crop management practices. Lastly, setting up support systems for farmers, including co-operatives, can facilitate access to resources and markets, ensuring sustainable crop production.

The abbreviation PWV stands for Pretoria Witwatersrand Vereeniging.

The discovery of gold led to the development of the PWV/Gauteng industrial region.

One mineral studied is platinum. Its discovery has led to the establishment of industries focused on processing and manufacturing, providing significant job creation and economic growth in the region.

The problem of water scarcity in the PWV/Gauteng region arose due to rapid urbanization and increased demand for water resources, which outpaced supply capacities.

The PWV region contributes significantly to the economic growth of Gauteng by being the largest industrial hub, generating substantial GDP through manufacturing, mining, and service sectors, driving job creation and attracting investments.