It is always of great interest to see Infrastructure Experts drill tunnels, build expansive bridges, hydro-electric plants, and such. A group of “Masters” of such events are the Chinese, for example [as they have shown again in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tunnel project].
The Hajar Mountains has been a obstacle to travel in the UAE for centuries. The Chinese were contracted to design, construct, and implement a 1.7 kilometer (1.05 statute mile) train tunnel, of 14 meters (46 feet) in diameter through the mountain. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, in conjunction with Etihad Rail commenced construction in 2020 and should complete the entire project later this year.
There are many such Infrastructure projects, around the world, of even greater size than the aforementioned, completed by other Engineering Companies. We, in International Business, applaud them all. The skill sets required of each: To comprehend the complexities of the projects; Design and Perform to those needs; and do so, within budgets is laudable. The fact that so many nations are proceeding with such projects, as to Infrastructure needs of their citizens, is very good.
We have noticed, as a contrary, the politicians in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with their military advisors, have been so consumed in entering military forays, around the world, since World War II, that Infrastructure of the U.S. has been a consistent ‘also-ran’. Today, the Nation’s, $29+Trillion of ‘Direct Debt’ limits PRUDENT expenditures to support Infrastructure construction needs.
The unfortunate level of America’s debt will only get worse with ‘Trillion of Dollars’ thrown into the deep ‘money pit’ which exists. Fanciful Infrastructure projects emanating, will be certain, we think, to benefit families, friends, and other associates of the current politicians [who are proposing such construction activities]. Since they have all been ‘asleep at the wheel’, for so many decades as to the subject of Infrastructure, we are skeptical of their motives. Many of them are about ready to retire; perhaps they want additional funds beyond what they have already gained over the years? Career politicians, most are. They were of moderate means commencing “Service to their Country”, and many will leave as multi-millionaires. Voila!
We recommend, to the younger generation that it consider Civil Engineering careers as excellent ways to help oneself, as one ACTUALLY helps one’s country. Ethnocentric considerations can provide the impetus to succeed, while studying, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, Physics, and other science subjects. Ancient cultures prove this is the case: Look at the Great Wall of China, a miraculous engineering feat, by those who understood the aforementioned science subjects.
Reality: While Tunnels help people to get from Point ‘A’ to Point ‘B’ quickly, Strong Walls make for Good Neighbors; Both require Civil Engineering.
