By As part of efforts to improve safety on the state inland waterways, The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in collaboration with the Badagry Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture BACCIMA today-Sunday organized a stakeholders forum at the Badagry town hall.
The meeting was organized to educate and enlighten boat operators on safety procedures and to issue new boating guidelines for ferry Operations in the state.
The Annual event is the third of its kind in the series of yearly stakeholders engagement forum put together by the waterways regulatory Agency to sensitise and reorientate the stakeholders in the sector.
The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, in his welcome address, reiterated the commitment of the state government towards the safety of all Waterways users in the Lagos.
“LASWA has commenced a massive safety awareness campaign at all jetties and terminals in the state in order to forestall reoccurrence of mishap on the waterways especially during this Ember months”he said.
He added that Jetty Operations would be restricted along the Ọjọ- Badagry axis of Lagos as a measure to checkmate irregularities on the waterways.
In his Remark, the Lagos State commissioner for transportation Mr Fredrick Oladehinde ably represented by Engr. Omotosho admonished Ferry Operators to always adhere to safety rules while operating on the Waterways, he specifically urged boat Captains and Deckhands to shun the intake of alcohol and avoid reckless Driving in other instill confidence in the mind of ferry passengers.
Highlights of the event include: issuance of new boating Guidelines by the inspection Unit of LASWA, Distribution of Safety information booklets and donation of different sizes of Life jackets to Ferry Operators, BACCIMA, Pupils from the riverine communities as well as other Stakeholders present at the event.
Dignitaries at the event includes; The Akran of Badagry represented by the Baale of Topo Badagry, Traditional rulers , Representative of the Hon Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mrs Lola Akande, Chairman LAHA Committee on waterfront and infrastructures Hon Ibraheem layode Oil, SA Tourism Arts and Culture, SSA to the Governor on SDG, Chairman of Badagry local government among other dignitaries.
