Analysis of infrastructure needs has come into the spotlight, thanks to a World Bank report, “Reducing Poverty by Closing South Asia’s Infrastructure Gap”, which constitutes as the one of the very first, major studies into South Asia region’s infrastructure gaps.
The construction of roads, water supply networks and even power grids requires huge budgetary support to sustain the growing population in South Asia countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The report analysed the notion that placing the infrastructure gap as a priority point for attention could actually help sustain development goals or even alleviate poverty as well as South Asia resolve its energy crisis.
The situation in the area has been of major concern with the lack of transport infrastructure causing a barrier for international and regional trade. Lack of access to roads, toilets, reliable electricity, clean water and telecommunicationss has further added to the poverty woes for the people living in these countries.
The report concluded by stating that South Asian policy makers should invest in rehabilitating and maintaining infrastructure assets to deliver services efficiently and sustainably, moving away from the “build, neglect, and rebuild” mindset.