By Uzor Odigbo
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) is set to commence a holistic waterways safety awareness campaign and strict enforcement for the remaining four months of the year 2020.
The move is as part of efforts to continue to senitize and enforce all waterways rules and regulations.
In a statement signed by the General Manager of the Authority, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, LASWA plans are underway to carry out an all inclusive safety advocacy programme targeted at all Waterways Stakeholders which includes Boat Captains and Deckhands, Fishermen, Dredgers, Loggers as well as Ferry passengers across all jetties and terminals in the state.
The statement which was made available to our correspondent by Nkechi Ajayi, spokesperson of LASWA, reads; “During the safety awareness program, Boat Captains would be educated and cautioned against the Rainy season, Overloading, Taking of Alcohol or Drugs, Night Travels, Over speeding, among other safety cautions, while other waterways users would 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.”
“Boat Operators are advised to always put safety of their passengers above all other considerations by regularly going for boat hull and routine engine maintenance.
“The LASWA enforcement team will continue to patrol the waterways to ensure that all operators comply with best practices on design, construction, operations and safety. Violators will be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly. “As a responsible Agency of government, LASWA would continue to adopt the carrot and stick approach by sensitising the populace at all time while also enforcing all Waterways Rules and Regulations” the statement concluded.