From flooded underpasses and badly constructed roads to falling bridges, dubious construction quality has become less uncommon than comfort. What is more galling is the lows that administrative oversight has reached, even for very expensive public infrastructure funded by taxpayers. The problem is that the be-all and end-all of many such projects seems to be meeting inauguration deadlines. All governments like showcasing completed infrastructure projects in record time. But unlike investments in health and education, which voters can’t see, bridges and roads make for photo ops and tangible symbols of ‘progress’. The rush that follows often comes at the cost of quality, leaving behind a trail of subpar infra and deliveries.
Building climate-resilient infrastructure is crucial. But that can’t be done by cutting corners on materials and processes. Creating deadlines is all very fine. But ensuring that the work is done well should trump all else.