From Ben Dunno, Warri
Determined to ensure strict compliance to safety standard rules along Delta waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Warri area office, has issued a new operational directives that will compel both private and commercial boat operators to make wearing of Life Jackets mandatory for passengers.
The NIWA management team handed down the new Life Jackets mandatory order at a one day Sensitization/ Enlightenment Campaign On Waterways Transportation Regulations with the theme; “No Life Jacket, No Sailing”, held yesterday at the NPA Waterside in Warri South Local Government area of Delta state.
Addressing stakeholders comprising of state government representatives, Delta state Police, NDLEA, Traditional rulers/Community leaders, as well as leaders of Boat Operators and Water Transport Unions including Passengers, NIWA Warri area office manager, Mr, Rufus Oladimeji, noted that the body had been mandated to enforce the new order.
According to him; “We are here today at NPA Waterside Warri with one clear message that will guide all our operations going forward: No Life Jacket, No Sailing”.
“Why this theme mattered mistress at the critical time is because our waterways are the lifeline of Warri South. Every day, boats move market women, students, traders, and families across the creeks and rivers”. He explained that the directive was to make water transportation safer and faster,
In his comment, the Chairman of the NPA Boat Owners Association, Mr. Paul Wilike, reaffirmed the commitment of the stakeholders in the Waterways sector to safety standard.
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