[n0mad01]

i think this topic was covered here not so long ago and the short, suggested explanation was, as far as i can remember, corruption.

[m0llusk]

This article is better than most and breaks down how different factors like politics and NIMBY influence, both of which can be considered corruption or linked to corruption, play a role in this.

[inglor_cz]

I heard the expression "vetocracy" not a long time ago. The set of players that can say "no" to any project is not exactly small.

[throwaway0a5e]

"corruption and legally sanctioned corruption masquerading as legitimate expenditures" would probably be a better TL;DR but yeah, corruption is it.