THE construction and property sectors need to become more productive in the next few years, Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge said in Johannesburg yesterday.

THE construction and property sectors need to become more productive in the next few years, Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge said in Johannesburg yesterday.

The support of business in addressing change in these sectors was important, he said after the department's meeting with Business Unity SA (Busa). It was part of efforts to facilitate dialogue between business and leaders of government.

"The transformation programme will seek to invigorate our sectors to become competitive, raise productivity and increase inclusion and participation across the spectrum of our society."

One of the barriers to entry for construction and property emerging companies was access to finance.

Doidge said the talks with Busa were an example of the government's efforts to collectively address the country's problems.

"Busa and the Department of Public Works share common strategic goals, one of which is the objective to advance and promote initiatives aimed at job creation and the alleviation of poverty."

Doidge said part of yesterday's discussions centred on how business could increase its participation in the government's Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to help alleviate poverty.

This programme encouraged local organisations to support initiatives that created employment, via projects that built public goods and services.

The minister said the challenge was how business aligned with the EPWP to support emerging enterprise development and skills development. - Sapa