MADISON, Wisconsin- Infrastructure is the backbone of any country, and without it people suffer. An investment in infrastructure positively affects public health, job creation, security and overall quality of life. One thing that differentiates developed nations from developing nations is infrastructure. Lack of infrastructure is a poverty trap because without it people have no way of improving their conditions. Governments are responsible for working with the private sector to create and maintain infrastructure. Here are 10 critical pieces of infrastructure, vital to any country:
1. Electricity Generation
Electricity and power are vital to any functioning economy, without them activity would cease to continue.
Photo: Lifeboat
Source: DHS
2. Gas and Oil Production
The world’s current reliance on oil makes it a necessary evil that each government should work to attain to meet their country’s needs.
Photo: The News Tribe
Source: DHS
3. Telecommunication
As technology advances, telecommunications evolve and become more vital to daily life. A government should uphold the telecommunications sector in order to keep the lines of communication open between themselves and the rest of the world.
Photo: Edu Help
Source: DHS
4. Water
Water is vital to maintaining life. A government is responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water, as well as protecting people from deadly agents.
Photo: Ministry of Health
Source: DHS
5. Agriculture
Much like water, agriculture is a vital part of everyday life. It is a government’s responsibility to protect and support the growth of crops.
Photo: Bossier Press
Source: DHS
6. Heating
Most of the world’s poor go without proper heating. Even if they could afford heat, they lack the necessary infrastructure to have it. Heating goes hand in hand with electricity and oil production since both are sources of heat.
Photo: Inhabitat
Source: DHS
7. Public Health
Healthcare is arguably one of the most critical sectors of infrastructure. It protects against terrorism, disease and natural disasters. Access to healthcare would radically improve the quality of life of those living in poverty; no longer would men, women and children die from preventative diseases.
Photo: Sorry Watch
Source: DHS
8. Transportation
The transportation sector encompasses aviation, highways, trains, railroads, pipelines and postage and shipping. It is a necessity to any properly functioning country to promote mobility.
Photo: Interrail
Source: DHS
9. Financial Services
Financial services help people manage money and accumulate more wealth. With financial services, citizens can make deposits, make payments, receive credit, invest and lessen financial risk.
Photo: Latent View
Source: DHS
10. Security
A government’s job is to defend its citizens in all regards. Security and defense sectors are in charge of protecting citizens from both internal and external threats. All citizens should be able to sleep at night knowing that their government has the means to protect them from potential hazards.
Photo: Wikimedia
Source: DHS
– Sarah Dalgleish
Article Source: Department of Homeland Security
Featured Photo: Executive Chase