Investing in infrastructure creates income opportunities and generates jobs.

Directly as
employment can be created during the construction and maintenance of infrastructure by
using labour-based methods.
Infrastructure development, poverty reduction and employment creation are linked.
Providing adequate infrastructure such as clean sources of water, health and education
facilities, markets and proper transport access is still a major task, which is yet to be
achieved in large parts of developing countries. In order to provide such services to all,
there is a need for effective approaches involving the users, local government institutions
and private sector in order to effectively plan, develop and maintain the required
infrastructure. Jobs can then be created through the use of employment friendly work
methods.
The use of labour-based technologies to optimize opportunities for employment creation
and income generation while maintaining cost competitiveness and acceptable engineering
quality standards.

Small-scale and community contracting, as local infrastructure works provide an opportunity

for developing local small contractors and community groups into effective rural
infrastructure construction and maintenance entities.

The utilisation of local materials, skills and tools to the extent possible to support the local
economy and create indirect job opportunities for local enterprises rather then importing
construction materials from far away or from abroad.

Employment creation for the poor, particularly in rural areas

Productive asset formation in the local economy in various sectors and typical investments
would be in the building, repair and maintenance of roads, irrigation systems, water
supplies, flood control systems and public buildings and watershed development and
reforestation works which in turn could generate more employment as spin-off;

3. Extension of human development options to the workers and their households.

Infrastructure – roads, bridges, ports, power plants, water supply – drive

economic growth in many countries by facilitating manufacturing, services and
trade. But it’s not just a matter of building more. To achieve good development
on a planet stressed by climate change and diminishing natural resources,
infrastructure needs to be sustainable.

Sustainable infrastructure not only enables sound economic development, job

creation and the purchase of local goods and services, it also enhances
quality of life for citizens, increases positive impacts (benefits),  helps protect
our vital natural resources and environment, and promotes a more effective
and efficient use of financial resources.

This last point in particular bears highlighting: Sustainable infrastructure is not

only good for the planet, it’s good for investors’ profit margins too.

Financial and economic benefits can result from reduced use of materials,
improved pollution prevention, reduced carbon emissions, payment for
environmental services, and better labor and community relations. 
Environmental sustainability can also improve the prospects for the financing
of projects. Additionally, more and more project stakeholders, and civil society
in general, are demanding and expecting environmental sustainability to be
integrated into infrastructure projects.

Experiences in many countries demonstrate that it is possible to plan, design,

construct, and maintain infrastructure in a fashion that properly manages any
potentially negative environmental, social and health and safety impacts and
risks, while enhancing directly and indirectly related positive impacts or
benefits.