Socio-economic impact of urban infrastructure

Abstract

Infrastructure development is considered a significant factor in public policy frameworks. The development of infrastructure is a significant facilitator of economic growth in most developing and developed nations. In contrast, the impact of this development in countries with weak governance, corruption, partial public investment shows that growth is not equally shared and could lead to interregional income inequality. Public infrastructure includes highways, bridges, ports, transportation networks, telecommunications systems, education, and health infrastructure. Social infrastructure includes schools, hospitals, prisons, and community housing. There are apparent differences observed in terms of access to essential services and housing within communities as well. For instance, in Indonesia, houses for upper-middle-class families are spacious and in good neighbourhoods with gated communities for security. In contrast, there is a lack of structural conditions for the poor, along with overcrowding and lack of sanitation. The pattern of splintering urbanism reflects the unequal distribution of services and infrastructure.