The Commissioner for Special Duties in Bauchi State, Alhaji Bappa Azare, on Wednesday said the State Government has spent N256.7 million to execute 48 projects in the last one year.
Azare, who made this known while briefing newsmen on the activities of the ministry, said the projects were executed between August 2011 and June 2012 under the Direct Labour Policy.
The commissioner said the projects are: installation of street lights, construction of roads, markets, graveyards, drainages and culverts, the purchase of crane, tippers and tankers, relocation of water pipes.
He explained that when he assumed office in August 2011, he deliberately shifted from the tradition of awarding projects on contract to direct labour.
Azare said the initiative was aimed at saving costs as well as to engage professionals and technicians on the payroll of the government.
He said this was to enable them participate in the execution of projects.
The commissioner said that the ministry had implemented government policies on ecology, where the menaces arising from recognisable ecological problems were addressed.
He said that the ministry also embarked on afforestation programme by providing tree seedlings to communities to guard against desert encroachment.
Azare said that most of the projects carried out by the ministry were executed according to specifications, while those under construction would soon be completed. (NAN)