The Sokoto State House of Assembly has urged the state government to procure motorised boats for three districts in the southern zone of the state.
The call followed the adoption of a motion moved by Alhaji Sama’ila Hamisu (APC–Kebbe) and seconded by Alhaji Faruku Umar (APC- Gwadabawa South), during plenary on Thursday.
Hamisu said the appeal became necessary in view of the frequent boat mishaps that had claimed many lives and destroyed properties in riverine communities.
“These unfortunate incidents are largely due to the continued use of traditional wooden boats.
“The boats are manually operated and prone to capsising, especially during the rainy season or when overloaded,” he said.
He explained that the provision of motorised boats in Kebbe, Kuchi and Ungushi districts would safeguard lives and property in the riverine communities of Kebbe Local Government Area.
“Communities such as Fakku, Kebbe, Margai, Kawara, Bashi, Nabasa, Tune and neighbouring villages rely heavily on river transport for their daily activities.
“Farmers and traders, in particular, use these boats to transport produce and goods.
“Sadly, many have lost their lives and livelihoods due to unsafe and outdated transportation methods,” Hamisu added.
He stressed that motorised boats were safer, more efficient and capable of carrying larger capacities with better control, thereby reducing accidents and ensuring safer movement of people and goods.
After contributions from members, the Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted.
In another development, the assembly had adopted a motion directing the contractor handling the construction of Abdullahi Bara’u Secondary School, Dogon Daji, to immediately return to site.
The motion, moved by Bashar Jabo (PDP–Tambuwal East) and seconded by Bashir Ahmed (APC- Tambuwal West), raised concern over the neglect of the school, been a legacy institution that had produced many eminent personalities.
“The school boasts impressive structures and stands as an institution of high learning.
“However, its current state of neglect and abandonment poses a significant risk of further deterioration and possible structural collapse,” Jabo said.
He warned that the setback would undermine educational development in the area and the state at large.
