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Sudan
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
Sudan's transport infrastructure in 1990 included an extensive
railroad system that served the more important populated areas
except in the far south, a meager road network (very little of
which consisted of all-weather roads), a natural inland waterway--the
Nile River and its tributaries--and a national airline that provided
both international and domestic service. Complementing this infrastructure
was Port Sudan, a major deep-water port on the Red Sea, and a
small but modern national merchant marine. Additionally, a pipeline
transporting petroleum products extended from the port to Khartoum.
Only minimal efforts had been expended through the early 1980s
to improve existing and, according to both Sudanese and foreign
observers, largely inefficiently operated transport facilities.
Increasing emphasis on economic development placed a growing strain
on the system, and beginning in the mid-1970s a substantial proportion
of public investment funds was allocated for transport sector
development. Some progress toward meeting equipment goals had
been reported by the beginning of the 1980s, but substantial further
modernization and adequately trained personnel were still required.
Until these were in place, inadequate transportation was expected
to constitute a major obstacle to economic development.
Data as of June 1991
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