Image

BOAT ACCIDENTS: FG TO DEREGISTER RECKLESS OPERATORS

Following the incessant boat accidents in its inland waters, the Lagos Area of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)  has said it would deregister and withdraw operational licences of indicted boat captains. 


Several boat accidents have been recorded in the Lagos Inland waterways, which have led the loss of lives. 


While reacting to this, the Lagos Area Manager of the water authority, Sarat Braimah, in a statement, said the Federal Government regulatory agency would no longer fold its arms and watch reckless operators risk people's lives. 


Braimah added that the authority would do "all it takes to ensure zero boat accident."


 “We have tried to provide needed enabling environment for the operators, including training programmes, yet some have chosen the part of desperation and dangerous behaviour, leading to loss of lives and property.


Read Also: CLOSURE OF THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE WOULD BE PARTIAL- LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT 


“NIWA’s patience with unrepentant operators has been stretched thin and a new era of enforcement is sure to begin devoid of plea and forgiveness.


“NIWA will also prosecute and ensure the withdrawal of certificate of any boat captain including applying other stringent measures to force back sanity in the operation of water transport services  in the State," the statement read. 


Speaking further, Braimah said that the authority will intensify it's awareness programme for stakeholders in the month of August and beyond. 


She added that pre-boarding formalities targeted at passengers’ awareness would now form part of the enforcement regime to help stabilize and encourage first timers.


“Those afraid of water transportation will adhere to safety measures, particularly during turbulence on the waterways.


“Time has also come for passengers to take responsibility, listen and obey boat crew when emergencies or turbulence occur.


“Sadly, some passengers go into frenzy and panic mood, triggering fearful alarm and causing bedlam leading to avoidable deaths,” she said.


Read Also: LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT RESCUES MAN WHO ATTEMPTED SUICIDE ON THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE, PAYS HIS DEBT  


She also said that unscheduled and random checks of boats to ascertain their seaworthiness will be part of the new safety measures.


“The new dawn will be implemented to the letter with passengers addressed in English, Pigin English and the three major dialects – Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa before takeoff."

Comments


Join WhatApp Group