The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to embark on what it called an aggressive campaign and enforcement of guidelines for commercial boat operators, in a bid to forestall the tide of boat accidents in the state.
In a statement by the Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mrs Abisola Kamson, on Sunday, the new drive was in line with the commitment of State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, to ensure that water transportation by all standard, remained the most efficient and cost effective mode of transportation.
Kamson, who spoke on the backdrop of a boat accident on Saturday along Oke Ira Nla, Ajah-Bayeku, Ikorodu axis of the state, said LASWA was notified of the incident involving a Bayeku Ferry Association commercial boat, carrying 20 passengers and two crew members from Oke Ira Nla, Ajah to Bayeku in Ikorodu.
She said upon receiving the notification, the Authority’s Water Guards were immediately deployed in the scene of the incident to assist in rescue efforts.
Kamson said she later led a delegation of state officials including the Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Community Affairs, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, and the Baale of Baiyeku, Chief Saheed Aleje Ajibode, to visit the site of the incident.
She confirmed that all passengers on board wore life jackets, revealing that 17 of them were rescued alive while five who, were earlier rushed to the nearest General Hospital, died afterwards.
The LASWA boss said preliminary investigation by the Authority explained that a mechanical fault developed when the steering cable, connected to the engine propeller cut.
She alleged that the captain of the boat was possibly also over-speeding at the time of the accident, adding that he was presently being questioned by the Marine Police.
“The Lagos State Government in its drive to promote a multi-modal transport system, especially the movement of passengers, goods and services on its waterways, will under no circumstances compromise safety standards and the protection of lives and property. As such we restate our commitment to the promotion of all safety measures and ensure that all operators comply with all safety standards in line with global best practices”, she said.
“You will recall that on Wednesday September 23, at Sabokoji Jetty in Amuwo Odofin local government, the Lagos State Waterways Authority commenced the distribution of 2400 life jackets to students of riverine areas.
from The Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper http://ift.tt/1R9FXIC
via IFTTT
0 comments:
Post a Comment