The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the Stare Government to the procure and distribute of outboard engines to riverine communities in Etung Local Government Area of the State.
The House of Assembly said the call is part of initiatives to enhance rural infrastructure, improve access to essential services as well as strengthen emergency response.
The call was followed the adoption of resolutions reached after deliberations on a motion sponsored by the Member representing Etung State Constituency, Hon Kingsley Ntui, Thursday.
The Legislators further urged the State Government, through the State Ministry of Transportation and Marine Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs to provide outboard engines to the riverine communities.
They added that the provision of the outboard engines would alleviate the transportation challenges faced by the riverine communities and promote inclusive development.
The House of Assembly also called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant developmental partners to support the initiative aimed at ameliorating the sufferings of the people.
Opening debate on the motion, the sponsor, Hon. Ntui said, Etung South has several riverine communities including Abijang, Nsofang, Mkpot and Itaka wards which depend solely on water transportation for their daily activities.
“The absence of motorized Marine transport, particularly functional outboard engines, has subjected residents to severe transportation hardship, economic stagnation and limited access to emergency and health care services,” Ntui stated.
He appealed to his colleagues to support the passage of the motion.
Supporting the motion, the Deputy Leader of the House of Assembly and Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, stressed the need for the immediate provision of the outboard engines to ease the plight of these citizens.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem and other Members also unanimously supported the motion and urged the State Government to urgently implement their resolution.