Which of the following cannot properly be called a part of infrastructure? a dams b sea ports c power lines d roads and bridges e human capital
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is e. human capital.
Infrastructure typically refers to the physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society, economy, or system. These include tangible assets like buildings, transportation systems, utilities, and communication networks, which serve as the foundational services that enable economic and social activities.
Let’s break down each option:
- a. Dams: Dams are large-scale infrastructure projects designed to control water flow for purposes such as irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. Dams are integral parts of infrastructure as they support water management and energy production, both essential to a functioning society.
- b. Sea ports: Sea ports are vital infrastructure for trade and transportation. They are facilities where ships dock to load and unload goods, playing a crucial role in global commerce. Ports are physical structures that connect nations and facilitate the movement of goods and people.
- c. Power lines: Power lines are part of the electrical infrastructure that allows the transmission of electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and industries. They are crucial for providing energy, making them a key component of modern infrastructure.
- d. Roads and bridges: Roads and bridges are essential components of transportation infrastructure. They provide the physical pathways for vehicles to travel, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services. Without roads and bridges, economic activities would be severely limited.
- e. Human capital: Human capital refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by individuals, which can be used to contribute to the workforce. While human capital is critically important to an economy’s growth and productivity, it is not a physical structure or facility, and therefore cannot be classified as part of infrastructure. Infrastructure focuses on tangible, physical components, whereas human capital is an intangible asset related to people’s abilities and education.
In conclusion, human capital cannot be considered a part of infrastructure because it is a human resource rather than a physical asset that supports economic or social systems.