Sweden Main Aspects of the Countrys Infrastructure Systems - Assignment Example

Infrastructure Application and Review - Sweden Table of Contents Introduction 3 2. Infrastructure systems - characteristics and effects on economy 4 3. Sweden - main aspects of the country's infrastructure systems 5 3a. Roads - bridges 5 3b. Railway network 6 3c. Energy plants 7 3d. Water supply 8 4. Social and health benefits and infrastructure systems in Sweden 9 5. Conclusion 10 References Appendix 1. Introduction The development of infrastructure systems in countries around the world is necessary in order for the quality of life of local populations to be kept at specific standards. In most cases the funds required for the design and the implementation of these systems are not available; the support by the international community can be then granted through the relevant governmental initiatives. On the other hand, there are states like Sweden which have taken in advance all necessary measures so that they can ensure the development/ improvement of their infrastructure systems through the years without causing pressure on the national economy. The structure and the effectiveness of the infrastructure systems of Sweden are set under examination in this paper; particular reference is made on the social and health benefits related with the country's infrastructure systems. The importance of the development of infrastructure systems in Sweden can be understood through the principles applied on the state regarding the protection of the interests of population. In this context, in accordance with a report related with the aims/ characteristics of social strategy in Sweden 'social policy of Sweden is based on the assumption that all citizens regardless of the origin and the status of property should have equal access to education, health, cultural, etc. characteristic for Sweden is to finance health care and pensions from taxation, and additional social security' (Sweden, Social System, December 4, 2008). At a next level, the projects that have been already developed but also those which are pended and which are related with the infrastructure systems of Sweden - see also the studies/ reports presented throughout this study - prove that the improvement of infrastructure systems in Sweden is one of the priorities of the country's government. Existing infrastructure (as analyzed in the paper) can lead to the assumption that the relevant projects are carefully reviewed and closely monitored by their administrators ensuring the quality of work but also the limitation of time/ cost in accordance with the relevant contractual terms. 2. Infrastructure systems - characteristics and effects on economy Infrastructure systems can refer to a series of sectors, including roads, bridges, communications, energy, railway network and energy. All these sectors are important for the quality of life of population within a specific country. It is for this reason that all of these sectors are administered primarily by the state - firms operating in the private sector can also intervene in the development of relevant projects however their work will be based on a relevant contractual agreement with the governmental authorities. In other words, these systems cannot be administered by the private sector - if such a case occurs then a relevant agreement has to exist between the state and the firms involved. From a different point of view, it is noticed by Fox (2001) that 'infrastructure is best envisioned as services that come from a set of public works, not as physical facilities; infrastructure can expand rural economies by raising productivity levels, allowing expansion in the use of other resources, and attracting resources' (Fox, 2001, 103). It should be noticed that infrastructure systems are quite important for many aspects of human life - including social life, health and personal/ professional development. Indeed, the presence and activation of people within a society requires the existence of specific facilities that will guarantee the ability of people to travel, to communicate and to have the necessary food/ water. All these needs are protected and completed by a country's infrastructure systems. However, these systems are not equally developed in all states internationally. Factors like the condition of the economy and the country's political structure are likely to influence the level of development of a country's infrastructure systems. It should be noticed that - even a contrary assumption would be expected - the level of development of infrastructure systems does not present significant differentiations among the East and the West (like in the case of the greater Gulf region or Japan where significant infrastructure - related projects have been developed). It is more the position of a country in the international community that defines the country's ability to develop its infrastructure systems. 3. Sweden - main aspects of the country's infrastructure systems 3a. Roads Sweden's road network is continuously monitored in order to ensure the safety of drivers but also the respect of the local communities (Figures 1-3, Appendix). An indicative example of the quality of work related with the country's road network is the Oresund Bridge (Figures 1, 1a) which connects Denmark and Sweden (Malmo) and it has been considered to be among the longest in Europe. Various issues, like the condition of concrete, the climate of each specific region and the traffic involved have been taken into consideration when designing and developing the country's road network. In accordance with the study of Lofsjogard et al. (2004) 'the concrete roads constructed in Sweden after 1990 are performing well regarding the properties included in the study; the rut growth varies from non-significant up to 0.6 mm/year; the changes in longitudinal evenness are small with only one road showing a significant increase' (Lofsjogard et al., 2004, 193). For the needs of the above study the roads around four Swedish regions, 'Arlanda, Falkenberg, Fastarp and Eskilstuna' (Lofsjogard et al., 2004, 193) have been examined. It is not made clear whether the relevant projects are developed and monitored by privately-owned or by publicly - owned firms. As in the case of other infrastructure systems, the country's road network is carefully planned and developed setting the protection of the environment as a priority; at a next level, other factors - like the ones described above - are also likely to influence the specific plans. 3b. Railway network The last years, the use of train as a means of transportation has been increased in Sweden leading to a significant improvement of the country's railway network. In accordance with a report published this year 'Sweden has an extensive railway network. Visitors travel smoothly and comfortably across the countryside on some of Europe's most modern trains' (InterRail, 2008, online article). Moreover, it is made clear that there are three countries connected with Sweden through the railway network (Denmark, Norway and Germany). It should be noticed that trains that are based on traditional methods of operation are still used across the country (see Figure 4, Appendix); however, the increased needs of the public led to the improvement of existing trains and the introduction of units of advanced technology (see the X2000 train, Figure 5, Appendix). In another report it is explained that 'while the current network is geared for 200km/h (125mph), there are long-term plans for upgrading to allow 300km/h operation' (Raiway technology, 2008, online article). It is clear that the country's government makes all possible efforts in order to minimize the time required for travelling to various destinations across the country while issues like safety of passengers and comfort travelling have been taken into consideration when deciding on the changes required on the country's existing railway network. 3c. Energy plants In Sweden, the limitation of energy consumption is among the government's priorities. In accordance with a report published in 2008 by the relevant authority 'the International Energy Agency (IEA) ranks Sweden highly on most counts in its report from 2008: low carbon dioxide emissions, a high proportion of renewable fuels and an efficient electrical power market' (Sweden SE, 2008, online article). In the same report it is noticed that renewable energy highly supports the country's energy deposits; in fact, the percentage of the renewable energy produced in the country has been estimated to 43% - one of the highest in the European Union. The country follows strictly the terms of the Kyoto Protocol while efforts are made for the limitation of energy consumption - as possible - and the development of alternative sources of energy - apart from the existing ones. 3d. Water supply In accordance with the study of Gustafsson (2001) in Sweden 'there are some more than 2 000 municipal water supply works and 67 000 km of municipal water pipes; these provide 7.7 million consumers or 90 percent of the population with high quality water; today the consumption is some 730 million cubic meters, which at household level expresses at 200 litre per person and day' (Gustafsson, 2001, online article). As in the case of roads, the municipal authorities have the main responsibility for the development of water supply systems in Sweden. It should be noticed that the water deposits and the water supply systems across the country are closely monitored by the state. In accordance with a report published by the ABC News in August 17, 2008 'more than 2,000 experts have gathered in the Swedish capital Stockholm to discuss how to ensure that the world has adequate supplies of water in the future; the conference focuses at issues including climate change, water scarcity and poor sanitation' (ABC News, Aug 17, 2008). Sweden is a country where water deposits would be expected to be high - because of the country's geographical position but mainly because of the policies followed by the state for the protection of environment but also of the public health. The development of the country's water supply system is continuously reviewed by the state - efforts are made in order to identify the water supply systems that would be more effective taking into consideration the country's urban structure and its geographical position. 4. Social and health benefits and infrastructure systems in Sweden The various parts of Sweden's infrastructure system are carefully planned and reviewed, as already explained above. The participation of the private sector in the development of these systems helps to maintain the quality of the particular works - materials are chosen in accordance with specific criteria and work is monitored at all its stages. The above assumption can be justified by the fact that in the case of the private sector, the participation of a firm in a project related with the needs of the public is depended on strict criteria (set by the state in advance) while any failure in the project's quality/ delivery usually leads to the termination of the relevant contract or the compensation of the state. In the case of Sweden, firms of the private sector participate actively in the development of projects related with the country's infrastructure systems. An indicative example is the case of Grontmij AV - a firm that works on the improvement of 'sections of the 'Nordsydaxeln' (the north-south axis), which includes work on the S'derledstunneln (south tunnel), Centralbron (central bridge) and Klarastrandsleden' (Grontmij, 2008, corporate website). The specific project was delegated to the above firm by the Stockholm Municipality. The state in Sweden is interested in improving the quality of life of people around the world. Through all the relevant projects, the people's social life and their health are also expected to be benefited. The above assumptions can be justified if reviewing the completed but also the pending projects related with the infrastructure systems in Swedish. Most of these system's sectors, including the bridges, the energy and the railway network have achieved a significant development which can be characterized as being higher of most European countries. Under the above terms, the social and health benefits of infrastructure systems in Sweden can be characterized as significant; the people living across the country can enjoy a high quality of public health services and transportation facilities - while projects are under development (see the case of Grontmij presented above) for the further improvement of the country's existing infrastructure systems. 5. Conclusion The development of infrastructure systems of all countries around the world is depended on specific criteria - as explained above. Issues like the condition of the national economy and the technology available have to be taken into consideration before proceeding to any relevant project. On the other hand, it has been proved that the private sector can effectively participate in the development or the improvement of a country's infrastructure systems - only under the terms that relevant contractual agreements ensure the protection of the interests of the public and the environment. In the case of Sweden, the development of infrastructure systems seems to be one of the government's priorities; most of existing transportation facilities - but also the energy and the water plants - are under continuous improvement in order to ensure the protection of the quality of life of population. It could be stated that Sweden is a country with a strong economy and the development of these projects do not influence particularly the country's financial budgeting; however, there are also other states around the world (like USA) where the level of development of their infrastructure systems is not the expected one - at least taking into consideration their position in the international community. It seems that the relevant initiatives are more the result of a well - structured political scheme rather than of a decision taken under the pressure of the media or the local communities. References ABC News, August 17, 2008, '2,000 experts talks world water supplies in Sweden' available from http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/17/2338002.htm Evolution (2008) A pearl of power, available from http://evolution.skf.com/zino.aspx'articleID=15148 Fox, W. (2001) Investing in Rural Infrastructure. International Regional Science Review, 24(1): 103-133 Grontmij (2008) corporate website, http://www.grontmij.com/site/en-gb/Profile/News+and+press+releases/News+archive/Grontmij+in+Sweden+improves+Stockholm+roads.htm Gustafsson, J. (2001) Public Water Utilities and Privatisation in Sweden. Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering. EPSU Public Service Conference. Brussels 12 December 2001 InterRail (2008) Network, available from http://www.interrailnet.com/2_railway_sweden Railway technology (2008) X2000 Tilting Trains, Sweden, available from http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/sweden/) Sweden, Social System (2008), available from http://swedenphotos.wordpress.com/ Sweden SE (2008) Energy: generating power for a sustainable future, available from http://www.sweden.se/templates/cs/FactSheet____20384.aspx Appendix Figure 1 - Oresund Bridge - one of the longest in Europe - it connects Denmark and Malmo (source: http://explorer.altopix.com/map/qi0n8s/350/257/Oresund_Bridge.htm'order=) Figure 1b - Oresund Bridge - another view (source: http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/features/feature1952/feature1952-1.html) Figure 2 - Arlanda Airport, Sweden, Stockholm (source: http://explorer.altopix.com/map/ysn2oh/350/221/Arlanda_Airport.htm'order=) Figure 3 - Road in Stockholm (source: http://www.grontmij.com/site/en-gb/Profile/News+and+press+releases/News+archive/Grontmij+in+Sweden+improves+Stockholm+roads.htm) Figure 4 -Train in Sweden (source: http://funini.com/train/sweden/) Figure 5 - Train (X2000) in Sweden (source: http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/sweden/) Read More