An economic stimulus programme has created more than 45 jobs since it was launched last December, a Government minister said today.

Wayne Furbert, the acting Minister of Public Works, released the figures at the reopening of the Elbow Beach steps in Paget – one of the refurbishment projects that went ahead as a result of the programme.

Mr Furbert said: “While I await job figures from all the contractors, I can confirm from those submitted that the economic stimulus programme has created at least 45 jobs, with 36 of them going to Bermudians.”

Mr Furbert said seven projects had been completed under the programme and another 11 were under way.

He added the first phase of the $200,000 Elbow Beach project, awarded to Smith Hauling and Excavating, had been completed.

Mr Furbert said: “The project commenced on May 17 of this year and was completed on time and within budget on July 28.

“I am extremely pleased to advise that this project employed seven individuals and of that number, three were new workers.

“The first phase included replacing the old damaged wooden stair access with a robust boulder support foundation and concrete stairs.

“This new structure should withstand future hurricanes and storms for many years.”