The Home Affairs Bureau will encourage 18 districts to begin minor works projects as soon as possible to help create jobs, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing says.

After meeting District Council chairmen and vice-chairmen today, Mr Tsang said the projects will bring about 700 jobs in December.

The minor works projects mainly involve upgrading sports and cultural facilities and beautification of the districts.

Mr Tsang said in light of the economic situation, government departments will enhance co-ordination and study how to streamline the procedures to make the projects start quicker.

Noting there are about 1,000 single-block buildings which are more than 30 years old, Mr Tsang said his bureau will liaise with the Development Bureau to see how to facilitate maintenance and repair works to improve their conditions and create jobs.