LASWA GM, Damilola Emmanuel
Amid rising boat mishaps in the northern parts of the country, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), has disclosed reasons mishaps are reduced to a minimal level in the state inland waterways.
It could be recalled that boat accidents in the northern part of the country have claimed over 500 lives in the last 10 months.
Boat mishaps have been recorded in states like Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Taraba among others and the accidents have been attributed to overloading, night travel, rickety boats, lack of life jackets and most importantly, absence of regulation by the regulatory agency and their respective State government.
But, in an exclusive chat with BUSINESSINSIDERNG, the general manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, said the authority enjoyed 80 percent compliance level from boat operators, skippers and drivers on safety measures on the Lagos inland Waterways.
According to him, the safety measures put inplace by the authority are, bi-annual inspection of boats, safety personnel at jetties and terminals, regular awareness and sensitisation programs on safety are introduced to local boat operators.
He, however, commended the boat operators for their compliance level, saying the authority also banned and enforced night travel in the state.
He said, “safety systems put in place to curb accident on nation’s waterways include, safety personnel at Jetties and Terminals; Bi-annual inspection of boats (Random Inspections also done); Command and Control Centre; search and rescue units at strategic locations and regular awareness/Sensitization programs on safety.
Others are, ban on night travel; enforcement of life jackets wearing, other Safety rules and regulations such as training of Boat Captains and deckhands.”
“The compliance level of boat operators, drivers and deckers is quite impressive and high as I can confidently say we have 80 percent compliance level,” he said.
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