05/11/09
Institution of Civil Engineers President in urgent call to improve human well-being by improving infrastructure.
At his inauguration this week, Paul Jowitt made a passionate plea for greater understanding of the essential links between infrastructure capacity and global peace and prosperity.
Returning repeatedly to the phrase "The time is now", Professor Jowitt called for action on themes such as poverty reduction, education, low carbon living, and inspiring able young people to take up science and engineering.
Pointing to the effects of hurricanes and earthquakes and terrorist events, he showed how critical infrastructure is essential for every service required for civilised life:
"All this shows that we are only a few hours away from from social collapse if critical infrastructure fails."
On UK policy, the president underlined the need for a fresh look at the roles of Ofgem and Ofwat whose remit ought to include responsibility for asset resilience as well as consumer interests.
"The regulatory drive to reduce the operating costs of our key utilities encourages the adoption of maintenance regimes based on 'just-in-time' strategies, rather than 'just-in-case'".
Such strong advice from such a respected commentator deserves the attention of policy-makers and regulators currently putting the finishing touches to price control settlements.
Paul Jowitt - Presidential Address
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