Dwindling Resources: Masari To Execute Small Projects

Governor Aminu
Masari of Katsina State has said that in view of dwindling resources, his administration has decided to execute small projects to reduce cost of governance.
Masari said in an interview with newsmen  in Abuja recently that the government would not build any new roads except it was absolutely necessary.
He said that instead of embarking on multi-billion naira projects, the state would execute “small’’ projects that would directly impact on the lives of the people.
“It is high time to look at our priority; except where it is absolutely necessary, we will not embark on road construction. Our roads are fast breaking.
“Before we allow them to break, if we are spending N3 billion to construct a new road, let us use N500 million to restore the roads so that they do not break completely and lose all the investment we have made.
“We cannot now take projects of billions of naira; where are the billions?
“But you can take projects of N100 million to N150 million in localities; you will see the impact they make in terms of quality of lives of the people,’’ he said.
According to Masari, one way of reducing the cost of governance is to stop high profile projects that do not touch the lives of the people.
“Go for the small, small projects that will touch the lives of the people.
“If you go down the ladder to the local government and you interact with the people, you will find out that what they really need is not much, not a grandiose project that does not directly and immediately touch their lives.’’
Masari explained that if the cost of governance was reduced, funds would be available to execute projects that would impact on the people positively.
He said another way of reducing cost was to avoid making political appointments that were not necessary.
“There are so many areas you can try to cut cost even in terms of what to use.’’
The governor expressed regret that a dam built at Sabke in Daura Emirate that could irrigate 2, 000 hectares, was abandoned for 13 years “because of political reasons”.
He promised to use the meagre resources of the state to improve the lives of the people.