PUB2603 PAST PAPER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
May/June 2022
With the use of examples from the public sector, discuss in detail the extent of
government intervention in infrastructure as a key tertiary and service sector of the
economy. (50)
Introduction
The topic of government intervention in infrastructure as a key tertiary and service
sector of the economy is an important one. Infrastructure plays a crucial role in
economic growth and development, and governments often intervene in
infrastructure development through funding, regulation, and public-private
partnerships.
The thesis statement for this essay is that while government intervention in
infrastructure can have both positive and negative impacts, it is necessary for
ensuring the continued growth and development of the economy.
The importance of infrastructure in the economy
Infrastructure plays a vital role in economic growth and development. It provides the
foundation for businesses to operate and for people to access goods and services.
Infrastructure in the public sector includes transportation, communication, energy,
and other essential services that are necessary for the smooth functioning of the
economy. For example, transportation infrastructure such as highways, railways, and
airports are critical for the movement of goods and people.
Communication infrastructure such as the internet and telecommunications
networks are essential for businesses to communicate with customers and suppliers.
Energy infrastructure such as power plants and transmission lines are necessary for
,the provision of electricity to homes and businesses. Without these infrastructure
services, economic growth and development would be severely hindered.
Government intervention in infrastructure
Governments intervene in infrastructure development in various ways, including
funding, regulation, and public-private partnerships.
Funding is one of the most common ways in which governments intervene in
infrastructure development. Governments provide funding for infrastructure projects
through taxes, bonds, and other sources of revenue. For example, the US
government provides funding for the construction and maintenance of highways,
bridges, and other transportation infrastructure through the Federal Highway
Administration.
Regulation is another way in which governments intervene in infrastructure
development. Governments regulate infrastructure services to ensure that they are
safe, reliable, and accessible to all. For example, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) in the US regulates telecommunications services to ensure that
they are available to all Americans at reasonable prices.
Public-private partnerships are also a common way in which governments intervene
in infrastructure development. These partnerships involve collaboration between the
public and private sectors to finance, build, and operate infrastructure projects. For
example, the UK government has used public-private partnerships to finance and
build new hospitals and schools.
Overall, government intervention in infrastructure development is necessary to
ensure that essential services are provided to the public. By providing funding,
regulation, and public-private partnerships, governments can ensure that
infrastructure services are safe, reliable, and accessible to all.
, The impact of government intervention in infrastructure
Governments intervene in infrastructure development in various ways, including
funding, regulation, and public-private partnerships.
Funding is one of the most common ways in which governments intervene in
infrastructure development. Governments provide funding for infrastructure projects
through taxes, bonds, and other sources of revenue. For example, the US
government provides funding for the construction and maintenance of highways,
bridges, and other transportation infrastructure through the Federal Highway
Administration.
Regulation is another way in which governments intervene in infrastructure
development. Governments regulate infrastructure services to ensure that they are
safe, reliable, and accessible to all. For example, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) in the US regulates telecommunications services to ensure that
they are available to all Americans at reasonable prices.
Public-private partnerships are also a common way in which governments intervene
in infrastructure development. These partnerships involve collaboration between the
public and private sectors to finance, build, and operate infrastructure projects. For
example, the UK government has used public-private partnerships to finance and
build new hospitals and schools.
Overall, government intervention in infrastructure development is necessary to
ensure that essential services are provided to the public. By providing funding,
regulation, and public-private partnerships, governments can ensure that
infrastructure services are safe, reliable, and accessible to all.
Conclusion
The thesis statement for this essay was that while government intervention in
infrastructure can have both positive and negative impacts, it is necessary for
ensuring the continued growth and development of the economy. I believe that
