Opposition leader Kim Swan yesterday called for Government to put construction projects on the fast track to help create jobs.The Shadow Environment and Planning Minister said the current slow process is frustrating developers who have funding in place.“We understand the need to make sure construction projects need to comply with building and environmental standards, but feel the approval process can be speeded up to help ease Bermuda’s job crisis,” he said.The Bermuda Employers’ Council estimates that new work orders in the construction industry are only ten percent of what they were before the recession.Construction Association of Bermuda president Andy Pereira estimated on Monday that as many as 2,000 Bermudian construction workers are unemployed, and that upcoming projects such as the hospital redevelopment could only make a small dent in that figure.“Even with the hospital and Waterloo redevelopments scheduled to begin in the first quarter of this year, there will be little change in the effects of the construction decline,” he said.“Only a handful of local subcontractors will be involved in these projects and within any local company involved, there will be a portion of permit workers due to the various work specialties.”Mr Swan said that projects currently going through the planning process could potentially provide jobs for Bermudians and help boost the Island’s economy.“There is mounting frustration among private developers with funding, who suggest there is a sufficient work tied up in the planning process that could stimulate the ailing local economy.“In light of unprecedented joblessness and the need to stir economic activity, the Government should bring special attention to this area.“Our research indicates Planning applications are down significantly from past norms, by two-thirds by some estimates. Nevertheless, the 500-plus applications currently before the Department must contain some job-producing work.“It is with this in mind that we urge the Government to move with haste. Now is the time for the Government to come to the aid of the people in whatever way it can.”