The transport network already exists naturally and often requires no or little improvement to be functional. Very often, no landing facilities are required at least for small vessels and, if required, may be relatively low-cost. It means that the required construction skills are widespread and local, including the tools and materials needed. Some improvements have been made by local initiatives using modern tools and materials. The main improvement, however, will come from appropriate motorization.
Engines account for between one half and four fifth of the total cost of operating costs.
The most common solution is to use traditional outboard engines. However, these engines are expensive and require some mechanical skills not always available in remote rural areas. In Africa and to a lower extent in Latin America, such low-costs devices are much fewer. This is partly due to both the low demand and high tariffs, which hinder their import. Extending the use of such devices, while improving their technical efficiency, where they are not yet in use may lead to major improvements.