Housing Sector Dubai,Aug.14th, 2007 (WAM) --- The Ministry of Public Works todayannounced the preparation of a federal transportation system and draftingof a national housing plan which will be the key focus areas for implementationin its 2008-2010 strategic plan.

The national housing plan includes the construction of new cities on parwith international standards in order to achieve a balanced and sustainabledevelopment and provide a higher standard of living for the citizens.

The transportation system will empower the Federal National Authorityas the sole entity responsible for road safety across the country. TheAuthority will lead an investigation into identifying the major causesof road accidents and make recommendations. It will also conduct a closescrutiny of the local and federal road networks to ensure compliance withsafety standards and federal regulations.

His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for PublicWorks, said the ministry will seek to provide adequate housing for allUAE Nationals while setting up a national plan to cover housing requirementsfor the next 20 years.

The minister emphasized the importance of developing remote areas throughan infrastructure database, with a specific objective to meet the needsof the people in those areas. The establishment of a Federal Council,which will have representatives from all the ministries, and the establishmentof a general secretariat at the Federal Council for Development are expectedto facilitate remote area development.

The ministry's strategy recommendations also include promoting the useof renewable energy in every household, and liaising with local entitiesto include this feature in building specifications. It will also discussthe feasibility of applying renewable energy to bigger projects, suchas street lighting, and develop scientific standards to reduce energyuse.

The Ministry of Works also plays a vital role in building schools in linewith the directive of the country?s leadership in spreading education.

The ministry will identify the required standards for school buildingsand ensure a maintenance mechanism for all schools in the UAE.

Attracting qualified UAE Nationals and developing local talent throughadequate training, in line with government guidelines, is also part ofthe ministry?s strategy.

Another key focus area for the ministry is electronic infrastructure.

The shift to e-government is expected to ensure accuracy and speed ofdelivery of services, enhancing the ministry?s capabilities while improvingits performance.

The strategy of the Ministry of Public Works is the result of variousstudies as well as requirements and recommendations of some federal governmentdepartments which work in association with the ministry.

The ministry has identified 29 major initiatives which cover areas suchas infrastructure, government buildings, development of remote areas andsocial development.