Latin is where we can establish the etymological origin of the term infrastructure that concerns us now. Specifically, it is the result of the sum of the following lexical components:
-The prefix “infra-”, which is equivalent to “below”.
-The element “structus”, which can be translated as “piled up” or “built” and which derives from the verb “struere”, which is synonymous with “to bring together”.
-The suffix “-ura”, which is used to indicate “the result of the action”.
The first meaning of the term infrastructure that the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) mentions in its dictionary refers to the structure that is used to support another, acting as its base . By extension, the set of services and works that are needed for something to function correctly is called infrastructure.
For example: “This is a region of great natural beauty, but with little tourist infrastructure” , “The Asian nation received a multimillion-dollar loan from the IMF that will be used to develop infrastructure works” , “Our company does not have the necessary infrastructure to carry out exports” .
Let's analyze the first of the mentioned examples to clearly understand what infrastructure is. A place can stand out for the attractiveness of its nature : a beach with crystal clear waters, surrounded by vegetation and with a pleasant climate. This particularity means that the region has great tourism potential, since travelers usually choose destinations with these characteristics. However, there is no airport or large hotels in the area, restaurants are few, the streets are not paved and public transportation is poor. Therefore, there is no adequate infrastructure for the arrival of many tourists.
In relation to a country, the notion of infrastructure refers to public services in the broadest sense. The inhabitants need good infrastructure to have access to drinking water and natural gas, have passable roads and not suffer flooding, to mention some issues that are linked to this issue.
It is precisely important that we know that what is known as urban infrastructure exists. This term refers to the set of public works that have been designed and created by the State, which is also responsible for their maintenance, and which are fundamental for the organization and functioning of cities.
Specifically, urban infrastructures include airports, streets, highways, ports, electricity networks, reservoirs, sewers, hospitals and health centers, schools, parks, dams, oil pipelines, landfills...
In the same way, there is what is known as community infrastructure, which is the set of civil constructions that are carried out with the purpose of promoting and facilitating coexistence, protection, recreation or participation of communities. Specifically, among these constructions we can highlight sports centers, community kitchens, shelters and even certain cultural centers.