The takeover by the State of the water systems and facilities was not only timely but underscored the need to effectively secure critical national infrastructure, given its role in the country’s sustainable development, governance and security. Critical infrastructure refers to both physical and intangible assets or systems that support a country’s essential functions and services. Given that critical infrastructure naturally deteriorates over time due to age and use, it has to be regularly maintained, upgraded and even de-commissioned at some point. The vulnerability of critical infrastructure, therefore, has economic and security implications on lives, property, investments, businesses and livelihoods. And since various studies have revealed that failure of critical infrastructure disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, people living in the locality of such assets have a frontline role in addressing environmental and climate-related risks to infrastructure.

Source: The Star July 29, 2020 06:33 UTC