The Ministry of Works and Engineering was yesterday given more than a $5 million increase to its budget - bringing it to $51.9 million.

The money will be used to fund and manage all public lands, works, water supply, sewerage, building and highways, and to provide a refuse collection and disposal service.

More than half of the budget is spent on wages and salaries, while materials, supplies, clothing, transport and insurance contributes towards the rest.

However, the Works and Engineering Ministry is expected to make $923,000 in revenue this year from the Island's golf courses, and more than $3 million from its solid waste programme.

Receipt of rent from its car parks and properties will bring in about $1,600, and water receipts are expected to be about $3,325 million for the coming year.

There are not expected to be any receipts from land sales this year, leaving the total revenue for the department for 2003/2004 at almost $9 million.

Works Minister Alex Scott said there was nothing unusual in his budget this year, but predicted that it would be another busy year for his team.

And he said this year, along with the usual capital projects under his watch, his Ministry would also be undertaking a number of their own capital projects, including a programme to protect the coastline against erosion along the South Shore.

Other capital projects for the Works department include changes to the Collector's Hill and South Road junction, road works, new bus shelters, improved street lighting, enhancements of Pembroke Marsh, the refurbishment of bridges and alterations to the ferry docks.