The Lagos State Waterways Authority has threatened to sanction boat operators who violate safety rules on water navigation.
In a statement by its General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, LASWA said all boat operators must adhere strictly to night travel restrictions to avoid heavy sanctions.
He, however, reiterated the commitment of the agency to ensuring the safety of waterway users in the state even as he warns all erring operators to desist from violating the rules or risk stiff penalties and sanctions.
Emmanuel nevertheless warned that all ferry captains must ensure they have sufficient fuel in their tanks whenever they embark on a trip.
The statement explained, “The agency has noticed that some boats occasionally get stranded on the waterways due to insufficient fuel. All boat operators must note that LASWA has an available fuel dump strategically located at Five Cowrie’s terminal in Falomo, Ikoyi, where boat operators can easily buy fuel while on the waterways, hence, there is no excuse for fuel shortage.”
However, Emmanuel lamented some ferry operators violated waterways regulations, thereby jeopardising the government’s efforts to ensure safe navigation and safety of passengers on the waterways.
