Rethinking Physical Infrastructure Development

The extent and quality of physical infrastructure are among the most crucial characteristics defining development. Any traveler from the First World to the Third World will be struck by the sheer difficulty of getting around, the economic opportunities lost for lack of transport or reliable energy, the flooding during heavy rains, or the stench of untreated sewage. It is almost trite to say that physical infrastructure is the backbone of any developed economy and a pillar of quality of life. For that matter, the quality of physical infrastructure can determine which developed nations maintain this quality of life in their cities and towns by preventing the collapse of bridges, disruption of neighborhoods, emission of toxic fumes, and the loss of touch with nature as rivers disappear under concrete. Countries with very strong physical infrastructure can maintain dense populations in comfort and can move people, goods, and information swiftly and at low cost; countries with weaker infrastructure, whether developed or developing, cannot.