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The Honourable Minister of Public Works Mr Thulas Nxesi has challenged the construction industry to deal with fraud and corruption as it impacts negatively on the growth of this industry.

Speaking at the launch of the National Contractor Development Programme (NCDP) at the Hilton Hotel in Durban, Mr Nxesi said the launch of this programme is an important milestone.

The Minister said the NCDP is an important government programme involving a partnership between the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the National and Provincial Departments of Public Works, and other willing stakeholders.

Minister Nxesi committed to availing resources in order to help develop previously disadvantaged contractors and to align individual contractor development programmes or initiatives with the principles set out in the NCDP framework.

He said the NCDP is a commendable response by Public Works to some concerns that were raised by policy makers, contractor development practitioners, contractors and development agencies.

"The NCDP provides leadership on implementation of contractor development programmes and it coordinates implementation and provides a reporting framework for monitoring and evaluation of contractor development programmes," said the Minister.

The Minister promised to extend the reach of the NCDP by contractors to more than its current reach of 700 per year.

"Whilst commending the positive work done through these forums, I want you in your upcoming meetings to deliberate on challenges facing the industry such as non-payment and delayed payment to contractors and the implications thereof on contractor development," said Minister Nxesi.

The Minister challenged contractors to get themselves better organised and to take advantage of the opportunities provided to them by the government. He said the government remains unwavering in its commitment to develop contractors and to provide them with opportunities to grow their businesses.