The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says it has released boats to provide ferry services for stranded travelers in Ganaja Village, Lokoja and Koton Karfe area of Kogi.
NIWA Managing Director George Moghalu said that the measure was aimed at easing the sufferings of travelers from outside and within the state caused by the flooding.
Mr Jibril Dardau, the NIWA General Manager, Corporate Affairs, announced this in a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday in Lokoja.
The general manager said that the directive became imperative in view of the fact that the current flooding surpassed that of 2012, causing havoc in several communities in Kogi.
“With the NIWA gauge readers in Lokoja, the 2022 flood level is reading 13. 22 metres as against 12. 84 metres flood reading level of 2012.
“This clearly shows that this year’s flood level surpasses that of 2012 flood level which makes it dangerous and frightening.
“It’s unfortunate that the flood has overtaken some major roads in Ajaokuta, Lokoja and Koton Karfe Local Government Areas of Kogi, thereby impeding normal and easy movements by motorists and commuters.
“The flood has made the highways impassable for travelers from or through Lokoja to Abuja thereby creating gridlocks and serious hardship on Nigerians,” he said.
Read Also: NIMASA Wants More Stakeholders’ Collaboration To Boost Maritime Sector, SMEs
According to him, NIWA in conjunction with the Boat Owners Association, has been providing succour to the victims in compliance with the safety guidelines of wearing life jackets, avoiding overloading, over speeding and night sailing.
He, however, appealed to travelers and boat operators to keep to the safety rules and regulations to avoid any eventuality.
Kindly like us on Facebook/twitter
