The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has threatened to impound boats working in violation of security rules because it intensifies enforcement on Lagos waterways forward of the ember months.
The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Sarat Braimah, represented by the Head of Marine Department, Engr. Elsie Egwatu, issued the warning throughout a security sensitisation programme for boat operators at Liverpool Jetty, Lagos.
Egwatu stated the authority had strengthened security campaigns and inspections to curb accidents, figuring out human error as a serious reason for incidents on inland waterways.
She disclosed that NIWA had launched quarterly inspections for smaller boats, alongside necessary annual registration and inspection, to handle put on and tear and guarantee vessels remained protected for operation.
“We have doubled our efforts. We conduct quarterly inspections for boats like these because we have noticed that wear and tear on the waterways have more impact on smaller boats,” she stated.
Egwatu warned that operators who failed to meet registration and inspection necessities risked having their boats impounded, including that NIWA would intensify enforcement after sustained sensitisation efforts.
She stated the authority had performed security campaigns at Sabokoji, Ikorodu, Makoko and Ibeche, with additional engagements deliberate for CMS Jetty.
On operator certification, Egwatu stated necessary coaching prices N95,000, payable as soon as, whereas the operator’s licence prices N16,500 and is legitimate for 3 years earlier than renewal.
She added that operators had been given ample time to put together for the coaching, however compliance would now be enforced extra strictly.
She additionally urged operators and passengers to cease dumping sachet water wrappers and different refuse into the waterways, disclosing that plans have been underway to present waste bins at Liverpool Jetty and different places.
Emphasising collective duty, Egwatu urged stakeholders to report security violations and unsafe practices to the related authorities.
“If you see something, say something. Keep informing us. We share information so that we can all collaborate and make these waterways safer and more seamless,” she stated.
NIWA’s renewed enforcement drive is geared toward bettering compliance with security rules, defending passengers and lowering preventable accidents on Lagos waterways in the course of the ember months.
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