Lagos state has always advocated the use of alternative routes and alternative means of transport for residents. This has been advocated for in a bid to reduce heavy traffic on the roads. Workers have keyed into this considering the stress involved in driving out very early to work and coming back late after a hard days job. Particularly the people of Ikorodu have heaved a sigh of relief and have embraced this method of transport. However, a few days ago i read "In a statement signed by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs. Abisola Kamson said the incident which occurred at about 8:05am was as a result of the early morning fog which led to poor visibility for the captains of the two boats." I found this reason unacceptable after discussing with a few people. If we as Lagos State are serious about using the water ways as a viable alternative means on transport i am of the opinion that certain things need to be put in place. some of the things we need to consider are the types/kinds of boats used on the waterways considering the amount of dangerous debris on the water. Boats made out of materials that are easily destructible by debris on the water thereby endangering the lives of people should be banned.
Kudos to the Lagos state water management for enforcing the use of life jackets, however there are other safety measures that needs to be put in place to avoid similar accidents, one of such is the enforcement of Automatic Identification System(AIS) and GPS Aboard all boats and a control tower to monitor activities on the waterways. The control tower may probably announce in certain instances cancellation of movement on the waterways where the weather is unfavourable.
Safety on the waterways cannot be waved aside. Eko Oni baje o!
credits: News AN24.net
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