Much of this Report has focused on the role of private finance in developing infrastructure, but-as end users of infrastructure projects-the public is a critical part of the success of any infrastructure-related enterprise. For certain types of infrastructure the public is already accustomed to the notion that the provision and operation of infrastructure is in the hands of the private sector and is happy to have a direct relationship with that operator. Such is the case with mobile phone networks, where there is virtually no resistance to the involvement of private finance. In other cases, however, concern can be pronounced, especially in the social infrastructure sector with projects such as roads, bridges, schools, and railways. This chapter explores the impact of public sentiment on the success of private finance and considers how best to garner public support.
There are five key factors that can influence public sentiment:
1. who finances the infrastructure,
2. the cost,
3. the level of profit expected and who profits,
4. who delivers the project, and
5. the established approach for the sector.