The department will monitor compliance with the Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Project between SADC states.
To address security and safety in the maritime sector, the department is developing a small-vessel policy and will table the Maritime Security Bill in Parliament soon. Following our Budget Vote speech in July the department produced a draft five-year intervention plan to integrate rural communities into the mainstream economy. Our plan includes the provision of rural transport, access roads and branch lines. We will elaborate on this matter when we address the National Council of Provinces during our Budget debate in that House. In fact, we are by no means not concentrating on rural development.
Most transport modes are major contributors to climate change. This year we are expecting that contracted bus services will gradually move towards using fuel that is less damaging to the environment.
Our activities this year include quantifying the number of jobs created by Transport at municipal, provincial and national level and by the private sector. During construction of the Gauteng freeway improvement and the construction of transport infrastructure for the World Cup, tens of thousands of jobs were created.
The International Maritime Organisation has declared 2010 the Year of the Seafarer. The identified shortage of 200 000 seafarers in the world presents an opportunity for employment, travel and professional growth of our youth. We are developing a coastal shipping strategy for the SADC region under the African Maritime Charter.
Lastly, I must thank the Deputy Minister Mr Jeremy Cronin for his ongoing partnership and comradeship. I thank the Director-General of the Department of Transport, Mr George Mahlalela, and his team for their hard work and dedication. Furthermore, I would like to thank all our agencies, especially our chairpersons and CEOs, for their dedication to the critical role they play in the delivery of the World Cup and the implementation of our transport agenda.
I thank the portfolio committee, particularly the chairperson, Ms Ruth Bhengu, for the constructive way in which they engage the Department of Transport to fine-tune its programmes. I hereby request the House to pass the Department of Transport's 2010-11 Budget of R25 billion. Thank you. [Applause.]