By Benjamin Omoike, Lagos
As part of efforts to continue sensitisation and the enforcement of all waterways rules and regulations, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), is set to commence a holistic safety awareness campaign and strict monitoring for the remaining four months of the year 2020.
A statement issued by the General Manager of the Authority, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, disclosed that LASWA plans to carry out an all-inclusive Safety Advocacy programme targeted at all waterways stakeholders, including Boat Captains and Deckhands, Fishermen, Dredgers, Loggers as well as Ferry passengers across all jetties and terminals in the State.
Emmanuel said, “During the planned Safety Awareness programme, Boat Captains will be educated and cautioned about the rainy season, overloading, consumption of alcohol or drugs, night travels and over speeding, among other safety measures. Other waterways users will also be enlightened on the importance of using standard Life Jackets with emphasis on what is expected of them when a boat is in distress and other survival skills during an emergency situation.”
Advising Boat Operators to always put the safety of their passengers above all other considerations by regularly going for a boat hull while engines undergo regular and routine maintenance, the General Manager emphasised that the Agency’s enforcement team will continue to patrol the waterways to ensure that all operators comply with best practices on design, construction, operations and safety.
While asserting that violators will be apprehended and prosecuted, Emmanuel maintained that as a responsible agency of government, LASWA will continue to adopt the carrot and stick approach by sensitising the populace at all times while also enforcing all waterways rules and regulations.
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