Governor Bassey Edet Otu has reportedly procured a fleet of electric buses, electric vehicles and tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, as part of efforts aimed at improving transportation and easing mobility challenges across parts of Cross River State.
The development comes days after newly branded Marcopolo electric buses allegedly arrived in Calabar, the state capital, with photos and videos of the vehicles currently circulating across social media platforms.
According to information gathered, the transportation initiative is designed to provide residents with more affordable and environmentally friendly transport options, while also creating employment opportunities and improving urban mobility in selected communities across the state.
Sources familiar with the project further claimed that the electric vehicles were built with charging systems that can conveniently be powered from residential homes, a development supporters of the administration have described as a major innovation in the state’s transport sector.
Supporters of Governor Otu have since praised the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards modernising transportation in Cross River State and reducing the burden of movement for residents.
However, the development has also sparked criticism from many Cross Riverians who questioned the government’s priorities amid worsening road conditions across several parts of the state, especially in rural communities where access roads remain in deplorable conditions.
Critics also pointed to what they described as poor healthcare infrastructure in the state, alleging that many hospitals and healthcare centres lack basic equipment, functional ambulances and adequate medical facilities.
Some residents argued that government resources should have been channelled into fixing roads, improving electricity supply, upgrading healthcare facilities and addressing other pressing social needs before investing in electric transportation.
Others also expressed concerns about the sustainability and maintenance of the electric vehicles, with some questioning whether the state currently has the infrastructure required to effectively manage and maintain such a system.
Meanwhile, government officials have reportedly maintained that the initiative will help tackle unemployment while improving transportation within the state.
Despite the assurances, some residents alleged that the buses and tricycles could eventually be distributed to political loyalists and party members, an accusation that has continued to generate reactions online.
Post A Comment: