LASWA reads riot act to boat operators

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has said it will not condone activities of boat operators who endanger the lives of passengers. According to the agency, it is critical that safety issues are taken seriously to encourage more residents to patronise water transport.

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, stated this at the kick-off of a two-day workshop on safety on Lagos waterways for 200 boat captains and deckhands at Falomo and Ebute-ojo terminals to mark LASWA’s 10th anniversary. He said the agency is not willing to take the issue of safety with levity, which was what informed the workshop.

According to him, ensuring those who are culpable when accidents happen on the waterways are punished is not the sole responsibility of LASWA. “It is a collaborative effort. It is not the duty of LASWA to do investigation, but that of the marine police. When an incident happens, marine police take over the investigation of the incident. However, we make sure that we have records and ensure the company does not operate until appropriate safety measures are put in place.”

Participants were enlightened on the importance of safety and measures put in place to ensure passengers are safe when onboard. They had practical sessions on how to properly wear lifejackets and handling passengers who slum on boat or got drowned.