What is included in the term "public infrastructure"?

The term "public infrastructure" refers to the foundational facilities and systems that are necessary for a community to function effectively and to support economic activity. This encompasses a wide array of physical assets, including but not limited to roads, bridges, public transportation systems, and utilities such as water supply, sewer systems, and electrical grids.

Option C correctly identifies roads and essential services like water supply as components of public infrastructure because these are critical elements that provide the necessary services to the public. Roads facilitate transportation, which is vital for commerce and accessibility, while water supply systems are essential for hygiene, health, and daily living needs. Public infrastructure is fundamental in maintaining the quality of life for citizens and supporting the economy.

In contrast, the other options fall short of capturing the full scope of what public infrastructure entails. Focusing solely on transportation systems does not encompass the broader range of services that contribute to community welfare. Social services and public health, while important to the overall well-being of a population, are often classified separately from traditional infrastructure categories. Private utility companies provide essential services, but they do not typically fall under the umbrella of public infrastructure, as they are profit-driven entities rather than public entities funded and managed by the government for the communal benefit.