LASWA, NIWA, others threaten sanctions against unscrupulous barge operators.

Segun Oladipupo   |   

A joint inspection of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Thursday, went on joint inspection and  enforcement exercise at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal to detain barges with uncertified crew members and to shut down unlicensed container terminals around the axis.

Nkechi Ajayi, Public Relations Officer of LASWA disclosed this in a statement signed by the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oliwadamilola Emmanuel, a copy of which was made available to our Correspondent.

The move according to the statement is to forestall incident of barge accidents on the Lagos waterways.

The agencies however warned Barge Operators and other Waterways stakeholders to always ensure adherence to Waterways rules and regulations or risk being sanctioned.

“The LASWA boss reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State government towards the safety of lives and properties on the waterways while encouraging sustainable investments into the water transport sector.

“The joint Operation team further said the enforcement exercise would be continuously carried out until the waterways is free of unqualified craft crews and substandard jetties.

“In a related development,the newly employed Water Guards of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) are currently undergoing training and capacity building in preparation for their deployment to various jetties and terminals within the state.

“The new officers were trained on Marine safety, pre-boarding check, fire fighting drill, Operational hazards, crowd control, First Aid, CPR practices and conflict resolutions techniques,” the statement stated