The new ministry to be created in January by a merger of the Construction and Transport ministries and the National Land and Hokkaido Development agencies will strive for public safety, environmental preservation and economic health, according to a draft policy.

The draft of the new National Land and Transport Ministry's vision contains five basic goals and defines the ministry's task as to "promote affluence among citizens as well as support economic and social activity to complement the people's enriched lives."

The five policy goals are: securing safety; preserving and improving the environment; realizing enriched and comfortable lives for citizens; maintaining and developing a vitalized economy and society; and creating regions that are attractive and rich in originality.

The draft, made available to Kyodo News on Saturday, also sets 32 objectives under the five goals such as preventing traffic accidents and establishing a risk-management system to help cope with disasters.

The four ministries and agencies had been coordinating their ideas to form the unified plan, which is scheduled to be finalized by the end of this month, officials of the four government bodies said.

As for the new ministry's administration, the draft calls for creating a system to evaluate and manage public works and having the ministry's officials posted at local offices work as if they were serving the respective local government.

These measures are aimed at countering criticism that the ministry, which is to account for about 80 percent of public works spending, will be too powerful.

The draft calls for dialogue with people from all sectors of society to gain feedback on the ministry's decision-making process, improve information disclosure and secure transparency.

It highlights the importance of offering well-balanced services for the interests of all citizens, and promoting various environmental policies such as curbing the use of resources, utilizing natural cycles and preserving scenic areas.

In January 2001, the Prime Minister's Office and the 22 ministries and agencies will be reorganized into 13 entities: a Cabinet Office and 12 ministries and agencies.