By Laswa To Intensify Safety Sensitisation, Enforcement During Ember Months
As part of efforts to continue to sensitize and enforce all Waterways rules and regulations, the Lagos State Waterways Authority LASWA is set to commence a holistic waterways safety awareness campaign and strict enforcements for the remaining four (4) months of the year 2020.
In a statement signed by the General Manager of the Authority Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, LASWA plans to carry out an all-inclusive safety advocacy program 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 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 the safety of their passengers above all other considerations by regularly going for boat hull and engines undergo regular and routine 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.
Abass Latifat
