Assessment task 1 (Investigate) Discuss the problems associated with the river crossing ( 20 minutes; classwork) Do this activity in your group. 1. Discuss the following questions: a. What impact does technology have on rural people living far from towns? Is it positive in some ways and negative in other ways? Explain. b. What are the main factors to be considered when planning construction in a remote rural community? Did you know? Since the local bridge was washed away in a mudslid two years ago, the people in Wen county in China have to cross the river by hanging onto a cable. c. What are the river conditions that have to be considered when designing this crossing?

### a. Impact of Technology on Rural People Living Far from Towns - **Positive Impacts:** - **Communication:** Technology such as mobile phones and the internet improves communication, allowing residents to stay connected with friends, family, and emergency services. - **Access to Information:** Rural communities gain access to educational resources, market prices, healthcare advice, and weather forecasts. - **Economic Opportunities:** E-commerce platforms and digital payment systems can connect local producers with larger markets, improving incomes. - **Efficiency in Services:** Technology such as remote monitoring for agriculture or health clinics equipped with telemedicine can enhance service delivery. - **Negative Impacts:** - **Digital Divide:** High costs and limited infrastructure can lead to unequal access, widens the gap between rural and urban areas. - **Loss of Traditional Practices:** Overreliance on technology might lead to neglect of traditional skills and community practices. - **Social Disruption:** Rapid technological change may alter social dynamics, sometimes leading to a loss of community cohesion or cultural identity. - **Environmental Impact:** New technologies often require infrastructure development that may disrupt local ecosystems. ### b. Main Factors to Consider When Planning Construction in a Remote Rural Community - **Accessibility and Transportation:** - Limited roads and rugged terrain can make the delivery of construction materials challenging. - Ensure there is an affordable and sustainable transport plan for workers and supplies. - **Local Infrastructure:** - Availability of utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage systems. - Integration with existing community structures and potential for future upgrades. - **Environmental and Geographic Conditions:** - Consideration of the local climate, soil type, and floodplain data. - Assessment of environmental risks such as landslides or erosion. - **Cultural and Social Factors:** - Respect local traditions, community needs, and land-use rights. - Involve local stakeholders in planning to ensure the project benefits the community. - **Economic Constraints:** - Budget limitations and the cost-effectiveness of materials and design. - Long-term maintenance costs and sustainability of the construction. ### c. River Conditions to Consider When Designing the Crossing - **Water Flow and Velocity:** - Evaluate the speed of the river flow to determine the strength required for supports and cable systems. - Use formulas like \( Q = A \times v \), where \( Q \) is the discharge, \( A \) is the cross-sectional area, and \( v \) is the velocity, to understand the river’s capacity and flow conditions. - **Flood Frequency and Water Level Variations:** - Assess historical flood data to determine the maximum water levels and fluctuations throughout the year. - Ensure the design accommodates extreme events to maintain safety and functionality. - **Riverbed Composition and Stability:** - Identify the sediment type (rocky, sandy, or muddy) as it affects the stability of anchoring points. - Consider erosion rates which may impact the longevity and safety of the construction. - **Debris and Ice Loads:** - Account for potential debris carried by high flows which may damage the structures. - In colder regions, consider the impact of ice formation and break-up cycles on the crossing. - **Environmental Impact:** - Ensure that the design minimizes ecological disruption to the river ecosystem, such as altering water flow or affecting aquatic habitats. - Evaluate how the crossing might influence water quality and local wildlife. Each of these aspects is vital to ensure that the river crossing is safe, sustainable, and beneficial for the rural community.