By Uzor Odigbo
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is liaising with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to replace wooden boats nationwide as they constitute over 90% of boats in the waterways therefore account for the majority of accidents on waterways.
The Area Manager of NIWA Port Harcourt Area Office Surv. Bernard Ekawu made this assertion while speaking as a guest at the Marine Enlightenment Campaign for operators along Amadi creek at Hotel Presidential, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event themed, “Keeping the waterways safe for all users” was organized by River State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs in collaboration with Nigeria LNG Limited aimed at equipping the operators with safety information, rules and skills for navigating Inland Waterways safely and also fostering a safe environment for fishing and other marine activities.
In line with the Vision of the Managing Director of NIWA Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Surv. Bernard emphasized the Authority’s commitment to safety through campaign and infrastructural development.
“The agency has embarked on a rigorous campaign in Riverine communities, jetties and media, the campaign being in both English and local languages of the communities”.
Also, some of the urgent steps the Authority has taken is the creation of River Marshals which are carefully selected personnel.
The Marshals will provide useful information to passengers and others at jetties and loading points across the country and to see the strict compliance with safety regulations not only by operators but passengers as well.
The highlight of the event was presentation of life jackets to all operators present, demonstration of life jacket usage, safety video interlude, questions and answers, among other things.
