Infrastructure of the future
Due to the 2012 Sasago Tunnel accident (introduced on another page), the government has mandated inspections of tunnels and bridges once every five years.
As a result, it was found that deterioration progressed in various places and repairs were necessary.
On the other hand, according to the website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, public works related expenses that the government spends on repairing public facilities are on a downward trend compared to the past.
The same is true for local governments that are in financial difficulties.
Infrastructure Longevity Plan
In May 2014, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finalized the "Infrastructure Longevity Plan" at "The Council on Aging Social Capital Countermeasures".
This plan includes various action plans for extending the life cycle of infrastructures.
In addition, in June 2021, based on the efforts so far, the second “Infrastructure Longevity Plan” was formulated to realize “sustainable infrastructure maintenance”.
National Conference on Infrastructure Maintenance
In November 2016, the National Conference on Infrastructure Maintenance was launched with the inaugural meeting.
The National Conference on Infrastructure Maintenance is operated with the following five objectives as the principles of its activities.
① Discovery and implementation of innovative technologies in society
② Promotion of cooperation among companies.
③ Support for local governments
④ Dissemination of the concept of infrastructure maintenance
⑤ Promotion of citizen participation in infrastructure maintenance
In a rapidly aging society with rapidly progressing infrastructures, governments and facility managers must respond with a limited budget.
Under such pressure, maintenance work cannot proceed efficiently.
In addition, infrastructure maintenance is important for each and every citizen in order to lead a rich life.
Therefore, it is necessary to change the paradigm of how society as a whole tackles infrastructure maintenance.
Conclusion
Currently, in Japan, where infrastructure is aging, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is leading the park in taking measures to prevent "Japan from falling into ruin."
Positioning 2013 as the first year of social infrastructure maintenance, our society is conducting intensive inspections and diagnoses.
PPP (official name: public private partnership also known as public cooperation)
I think it will be important to change to measures that can be considered by all citizens, such as PPP.
