Embracing Technology: The Future of Public Infrastructure Maintenance

The Advent of Citizen-Driven Infrastructure Maintenance

With the advancement of technology, the era of public participation in infrastructure maintenance through smartphones has arrived. This new model not only enables citizens to easily assist in digitizing the state of infrastructure but also rewards them with virtual currency or points for uploading photos and reports. This innovative approach effectively addresses the manpower shortage faced by administrative units in maintaining public infrastructure.

The Success Story of Hirata Village

Hirata Village in Fukushima Prefecture is a prime example of this model’s success. Known for its active citizen participation in bridge cleaning and inspection, the village held a “citizen-led self-maintenance” event on July 1, 2023. Participants helped remove dirt and weeds from bridge surfaces and used simple inspection forms to evaluate the condition of the bridges. They then uploaded the location information and photos to a dedicated website. This activity, which began in 2015, saw a significant boost in 2023 with the introduction of a smartphone app for 3D scanning of bridge surfaces, making it easier for even inexperienced users to participate.