Roads and Electric Network in Colombia, 1945 – 1990

Abstract

This paper studies the divergence in Colombia between the expansions of the electricity and road networks after World War II and until 1990. During this time, Colombia adopted an industrialization strategy based on import substitution (ISI) that defined both sectors as strategic for economic development. Based on a review of official documents, we analyze the dynamics of investment in each sector and its relevance for the development strategy. We conclude that, although both sectors were deemed equally important at the beginning of the period, in practice the electric sector received more attention because it was considered a key input for industry and a basic need for homes. Roads, on the other hand, had a secondary importance, so more resources were spent in their maintenance than in its expansion.