Ember months: LASWA issues safety precautions to ferry Operators

Segun Oladipupo

The Lagos state waterways Authority (LASWA) has urged all waterways users in the state to be more safety conscious as the agency begins its ember months safety awareness and sensitisation campaigns.

In a press statement by LASWA General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, and made available to our correspondent by Nkechi Ajayi, Public Relations Officer, he urged ferry operators, passengers, fishermen, dredgers and all other waterway users to always be wary of turbulent weather conditions and adhere strictly to rules and regulations on the waterways during the embers months and at all times.

Emmanuel also called on boat operators to regularly ensure their ferries are in good condition before sailing while advising passengers to always put on their life jackets before boarding a ferry.

The LASWA boss further hinted that the search and rescue unit of the agency is currently being upgraded with aquisition of sophisticated equipments and training of more personnels for emergency responses while a Central control room for real time monitoring of the entire Lagos waterways is also underway.

Mr Oluwadamilola added that the Lagos state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu is committed to making the waterways a viable option for transportation in the state.

He concluded by soliciting the support of all stakeholders in the sector in achieving a clean safe and prosperous waterways in Lagos.