Determined to ensure accident free ride during this end of the year, the Lagos area office of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has rolled out safety campaigns across key operational jetties in Lagos.
Flagging-off the campaign, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engineer Sarat Lara Braimah who led the safety mission told passengers and operators to make use of life jackets and avoid situations that may put boats at risk.
At CMS jetty where the safety campaign took-off, Braimah advised passengers about the importance of using life jackets, even as she instructed boat operators not to board any passenger who refused to wear life jacket.
"This campaign operation is targeted at zero tolerance for unbecoming attitudes inimical to safety issues on Lagos waters. And anyone who may wish to use the waterways must embrace it"
"Life is important and NIWA in Lagos would not stand and watch stakeholders take to flagrant disobedience to safety matters" she explained.
Explaining further, the Lagos Area Manger noted that the campaign will cover Ikorodu, Badore, Epe, Liverpool, Badagry and Ajegunle waterfront jetties, throughout the festive season until January 2020.
She added that it would be reviewed to stem any unwholesome activities and presence among users of water transportation in the state.
She said: "This campaign will be rolled-out in phases and we intend to also introduce patrol strategies as a backup to this one to one reach out"
"We expect feedback from the stakeholders on any potential challenge that may create anxieties particularly to smooth operation of boat services and any life threatening practices among boat operators".
According to her, "apart from distribution of pamphlets and flyers detailing key safety watch list to passengers and operators, NIWA would also impound boats and life jackets which did not meet with certain operational specifications"
She however reiterated that the area office is also targeting students and pupils from riverine communities for a special "must use" compliance of life jackets.
He said that it is a part of the ‘ember’ months’ campaign and new safety measures to encourage use of water transportation in the state.
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