LASWA, NIWA Launch Joint Safety Initiative to Enhance Traveller Safety During Festive Season

LASWA, NIWA Launch Joint Safety Initiative to Enhance Traveller Safety During Festive Season

 

By prince Benson Davies

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have joined forces to launch a joint safety initiative aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of travellers on Lagos waterways during the festive season. The initiative, which was announced in a joint statement by the two agencies, is designed to mitigate the risks associated with water transportation during the peak travel period.

New Safety Directives

As part of the initiative, LASWA and NIWA have outlined new safety directives that boat operators and passengers must adhere to. These directives include:

– Providing and enforcing the use of standard, certified life jackets
– Maintaining accurate passenger manifests before every trip
– Avoiding commercial trips after 7:00 p.m.
– Conducting routine vessel and engine checks before departure
– Adhering strictly to passenger and weight limits
– Ensuring only certified captains operate passenger boats
– Monitoring weather advisories and suspending trips when instructed

Intensified Patrols

To ensure compliance with the new safety directives, LASWA and NIWA’s Joint Search and Rescue Teams and Water Guards will intensify patrols along busy waterways and terminals throughout the festive season. The agencies have also urged passengers to support safety efforts by wearing life jackets properly, boarding only at authorized jetties, avoiding pressure on captains to speed, and reporting any unsafe practices immediately to LASWA/NIWA officials.

Commitment to Safety

The management of LASWA and NIWA have reaffirmed their commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure a safe, reliable, and accident-free water transport experience across Lagos. The agencies have emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and have warned boat operators and passengers that failure to comply with the new directives will attract severe penalties.

The joint safety initiative is a welcome development, especially during the festive season when water transportation is expected to peak. By working together, LASWA and NIWA can ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all waterway users.

Passenger Safety Tips

– Wear life jackets properly
– Board only at authorized jetties
– Avoid pressure on captains to speed
– Report any unsafe practices immediately to LASWA/NIWA officials

By following these safety tips and adhering to the new directives, passengers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on Lagos waterways.