(4) generation of hydro power Explanation: The prospect of producing electricity from the hydrological resources of the Plateau region lies not, as has been suggested, in the 'region's fast flowing rivers'. The flow rate of most rivers in the region is relatively slow. However, the sloped topography of the plateau itself provides enormous capacity to generate electricity. All existing and planned hydropower projects in the region are based on the simple engineering principle of utilizing gravity to generate energy from the region's rivers. The steep escarpments found in the south-eastern portion of the region provide the natural topographical mechanism to subject the region's water resources to the energy-producing force of gravity.