By ltam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assembly has urged the State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, to build state-of-the-art Jetties and Dockyards along the Calabar waterways to ease transportation.
The House had deliberated on a motion brought before it by the Member representing Calabar South 2 and Chairman, House Committee of Transport and Marine Services, Hon Victor Ekpenyong Nsa.
Leading the debate on the motion, Nsa bemoaned the absence of government-owned Jetties and Dockyards along the Calabar Waterways adding that the situation has greatly hampered the effectiveness of water transportation.
” There are virtually no government Jetties for both small and big vessels that come into Calabar to berth apart from the ones built by private companies like Northwest Petroleum and Gas, Dozzy Oil and Gas etc. Operators of private vessels make use of these Jetties and pay hugely to the owners because of the absence of alternative Jetties.” He said.
The Leader of the 10th Assembly and Co-sponsor of the motion, Rt Hon Francis Asuquo, in his contribution maintained that, the motion will be of great economic benefits to the State as it will enhance the esthetics of the coastline, protect the shoreline against erosion as well as creat jobs for the citizens.
Also supporting the motion, another Co-sponsor and Chief Whip of the House, Rt Hon Hilary Bisong (Boki 2), stressed the need to develop the waterways economy to enhance the well being of the citizens adding that the construction of the Jetties will enhance the tourism potentials of the State as well as shorten the travel time between Calabar and Akwa Ibom.
Other legislators in separate contributions, noted that the State will greatly benefit from the venture in several ways including, increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), job creation for the youths and efficient transportation.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem noted that the motion was very timely and important.
He stressed that the building of Jetties and Dockyards as recommended by the House is to boost the economy and ameliorate the sufferings of commuters along the Calabar/Itu road.
