Metropolitan Board of Works

The transcript discusses the challenges and efforts of a chief engineer in transforming London's infrastructure, focusing on roads, lighting, tunnels, bridges, and sewers. Despite facing bureaucratic and financial hurdles, as well as public opposition, the engineer pursued a realistic scheme to address the city's needs. The project, which became the largest civil engineering endeavor of its time, required permission that was only granted after the Great Stink of 1858.

What was the primary focus of the initial infrastructure improvements in London?

• Ensuring proper roads, lighting, and sewers

• Enhancing public transportation

• Building new schools

• Expanding residential areas

What were some of the challenges faced by the chief engineer in implementing the infrastructure projects?

• Unfavorable weather conditions

• Insufficient raw materials

• Lack of skilled labor

• Bureaucratic and financial hurdles

What was one of the alternative suggestions to the proposed engineering schemes?

• Dumping waste into the sea

• Burning waste for energy

• Exporting waste to other countries

• Using waste as fertilizer on land

Why was the proposed scheme considered more realistic?

• It was the only feasible large-scale disruption

• It required less manpower

• It was supported by the majority of the public

• It was cheaper than other options

When was the permission granted to start the sewer project in London?

• 1872

• 1850

• 1858

• 1865