The Department of Public Works is currently aligning its activities to support the identified goals of the National Development Plan (NDP), Public Works Minister Thulasi Nxesi announced on Wednesday.

“In relation to the National Development Plan, my department and the branches are currently aligning their activities to support many of the identified goals of the NDP,” said Nxesi when delivering his 2013/14 Budget Vote Speech in Parliament.

The NDP aims to ensure that all South Africans attain a decent standard of living through the elimination of poverty and reduction of inequality by 2030.

Nxesi said in the course of 2012/13, some 214 projects were completed and these included high-profile projects for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Correctional Services, South African Police Service (SAPS), and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Capital projects created 18 815 jobs during 2012/13, and the minister said the target for 2013/14 was approximately 40 000 jobs.

“Some 300 capital projects will be completed by end of March 2014. This includes the Matola Raid Monument in Mozambique,” said Nxesi.

The minister said the department had secured a budget appropriation of R66 million to fill 88 out of 219 vacant and unfunded core professional positions.

He said a joint professional team had been created to support smaller regional offices and to work with major clients.

“We are currently reviewing training programmes for young professionals, technicians, and artisans as part of our vision to rebuild state capacity in the Built Environment,” he said.

Nxesi said the department’s long term Infrastructure Plan comprised three key elements, which are new buildings, replacements and upgrades, to ensure service delivery to clients and the public; maintenance and repairs to safeguard government assets, and rehabilitation, renovations and refurbishments.

Nxesi said this year’s target in terms of Inner City Regeneration included the completion of Precinct Development Plans for West Capital, and Paul Kruger Street as part of the Tshwane Inner City Project and Master Plan.

He said this also included the identification of four sites within the Paul Kruger Street Precinct for head office accommodation for national departments.

“In implementing the Green Building Programme, a number of pilot projects in water efficiency, waste management, energy efficiency and eco-labelling of construction materials are being rolled out.

“The pilot will target 1 000 buildings and contribute to the creation of green jobs,” he said.