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ASIST Bulletin no. 10, January 2000 Editorial Investments are normally made to reap benefits later. Benefits may be quantified and qualified in economic and social terms. Sometimes these benefits may be positive and substantial, whilst in other cases it may be very difficult to quantify them at all. Indeed, investments may have a negative effect on the interest and the environment in which we find ourselves. This bulletin shows examples of how the choice of investments and, in particular, the choice of technology may influence social and economic benefits accrued to potential stakeholders. A careful reading of the articles should provide some food for thought for those who are not convinced about the place of labour-based technology in infrastructure development and maintenance. It should also provide some new ideas and arguments for those who are already convinced about its prominence. Appropriate planning and organisation of projects is being addressed at policy level in a number of programmes supported by ASIST, like the South Africa public works programmes. This is an area where ASIST's involvement is increasing. Whereas many integrated development projects were given a bad name in the past, we believe that the role of accessibility planning and reinforcement of benefits through careful selection and co-ordination of projects is the way to go for both rural and urban development programmes. Through this bulletin, I am saying "see you soon" to our colleagues around the world as I am now leaving ASIST for a new job at ILO headquarters in Geneva. I wish you all the best and hope that you will continue your close liaison with ASIST, providing inputs for dissemination and transfer of knowledge to a larger audience. I also wish the new Programme Director Jane Tournée all the best in her new job. Surely, the team will keep you abreast with further developments and be available to support labour-based projects and programmes for some time to come! Terje Tessem, ASIST Director |
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