In a bid to tackle persistent transportation challenges in Etung Local Government Area, lawmakers in the Cross River State House of Assembly have called on the government to provide outboard engines to riverine communities that rely heavily on water transport.

The Assembly urged the Ministry of Transportation and Marine Services, working in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, to procure and distribute the engines.

According to the lawmakers, the move would ease movement, improve access to healthcare and other essential services, and promote economic activity in the affected areas.

They also appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other development partners to lend their support to the initiative, describing it as critical to improving the quality of life for the residents.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Kingsley Ntui, who represents Etung State Constituency.

Ntui noted that communities in Etung South — including Abijang, Nsofang, Mkpot, and Itaka wards — depend entirely on waterways for their daily activities.

“The absence of functional, motorised marine transport has left residents facing severe hardship, economic stagnation, and limited access to emergency and healthcare services,” Ntui told the Assembly.

Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi), threw his weight behind the motion, stressing the urgency of providing the outboard engines to relieve the plight of the people.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, along with other members, gave unanimous backing to the proposal and called on the state government to act without delay.