Developing infrastructure facilities in rural areas

In the first place, considerable thought must be given, especially by public authorities, to the suitable development of essential facilities in country areas -- such as roads; transportation; means of communication; drinking water; housing; health services; elementary, technical and professional education; religious and recreational facilities; and the supply of modern installations and furnishings for the farm residence. Such services as these are necessary nowadays if a becoming standard of living is to be maintained. In those country areas where they are lacking, economic and social progress is either prevented or greatly impeded, with the result that nothing can be done to retard the drift of population away from the land, and it even becomes difficult to make a good appraisal of the numbers involved. (Papal Encyclical, Mater et Magistra, 15 May 1961).