DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE: THE CASE OF PAKRUOJIS DISTRICT

Abstract

The development of social infrastructure (SI) determines the quality of life (QOL) of local residents. In rural municipalities too little attention is paid to the issue of SI in relation to the QOL of residents, it is inconsistent and fragmented. The development of SI in the Pakruojis district is insufficiently effective, fragmented, and lacks a comprehensive approach; consequently, the challenge arises of ensuring that the development of SI improves the QOL for local residents and reduces migration and emigration flows. The aim of the study is to analyse the links between SI and the QOL of residents from a theoretical perspective and to identify problem areas in the development of SI in the Pakruojis district. The methods used in the study include analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, comparison method and experts semi-structured interviews. The results show that the development of SI covers a wide range of services that need to be developed in order for the territorial unit to remain viable and to reduce migration and emigration flows. The development of SI in the Pakruojis district is not effective and there is a lack of a comprehensive approach to problem solving.