Even as the biggest superpower on the globe, we have neglected to take care of a part of our economy. That part is called infrastructure which consists of public roads, the sewer system, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, tunnels, etc… It is a political, engineering and creative problem. During Senator Bernie Sander’s filibuster on December 10th 2010, he mentioned how the problem panned out: “I think we could…address…unemployment in this Nation…by investing…in our infrastructure…we must invest $2.2 trillion over the next five years simply to get a passable grade.” Even with the Senator Sander’s push, there isn’t a comprehensive plan to solve this problem.
Most of the old crumbling infrastructure is falling apart in many big cities. The engineering to solve this problem is expensive and hard to come by. Now that cities are developed and built up you have dig around people to replace faulty sewers or water. This makes it hard to keep a highly developed area from not being disrupted in a major way. You have to build a temporary system when the permanent one is being constructed which is time –consuming and wasteful. Politically, it is question of how a country could pay for these repairs so potential disasters can be averted. Certain disasters could include the mixing of clean water with sewer water or the backing up of septic systems, making it impossible for some to use toilets or showers. How can the politicians and the public be convinced to replace infrastructure before it becomes a major problem? Through direct citizen action and notifying people of the seriousness of this issue this can be adequately addressed.
The creative aspect of the problem may not come to mind at the first glance. Many want to build areas in higher-up areas and those less prone to natural disasters. This is part of the sustainable living initiative that is pushed worldwide. This initiative include the building of livable structures that can resist earthquakes, recover from monsoons and houses powered by solar power. Urban planners take this into consideration and ask how pollution can be prevented with new living environments. Combining all three of these disciplines, it can be properly addressed in government and by the American populace.
