An Effective Approach to Infrastructure Reconstruction Of Devastated Countries

Abstract

Summary: Various infrastructure segments of numerous countries have been repeatedly subjected to natural or human-induced disasters. International aid institutions and financial institutions are trying to assist in the reconstruction of devastated countries. The development institutions normally face the problem of selecting and implementing relevant priority infrastructure projects that are needed in various sectors. Additionally, there are several local key players in the decision making process. In many cases, the decisions of these main decision makers often have contradictory objectives that lead to conflict and thereby hamper the reconstruction process. In response to this kind of problem, an effective approach has been developed within the field of Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), referred to as the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), to assist decision makers in prioritizing projects to meet specified goals and objectives. Using the AHP approach, the problem of selecting infrastructure projects is dealt with systematically when applying this flexible MCDA technique. This approach takes into account possible uncertainties, social discrepancies and the potential lack of technical or historical data necessary to select effectively and prioritize projects. Decision makers from international financing aid institutions, donor agencies, local governmental planning and community representatives can utilize this proposed approach.