| Author |
| Fox, William F. | 1994 |
| Number of Pages: | 88 |
| Full Text |
| Strategic Options for Urban Infrastructure Management |
Abstract |
| Substantial investments in infrastructure have been made during the past decade by national, regional, and |
| local governments, donors, private firms, and non governmental organizations around the world. Differences |
| exist across countries and services, but generally the universal delivery of infrastructure services continues |
| to be plagued by problems that have existed for many years. The condition of infrastructure facilities is poor, |
| the services provided are inferior, and the financing systems are inadequate. |
| The implications of poor service delivery can be felt throughout developing countries. Quality of life is |
| diminished as consumers receive unreliable and poor services. Low income people often are most affected |
| because they have the fewest acceptable options and are least likely to obtain alternative services. Business |
| production costs rise substantially as firms contend with inadequate infrastructure services or install their own |
| captive capacity. Small and newly starting firms, the source of many new jobs, will be the most |
| disadvantaged, and their inability to succeed can substantially inhibit overall economic performance. Other |
| consequences of poor service delivery include congestion, environmental degradation, and poor health |
| conditions. |
| Experience of the past decade confirms that the solution to infrastructure problems is not merely to expand |
| capacity by making new investments. Much more systematic changes must be undertaken if service |
| delivery is to attain the standards necessary to improve quality of life and allow economic output to expand |
| more rapidly. This paper identifies several broad areas for reform and recommends a series of actions to |
| attain effective service delivery. |