FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
Niger State government has disclosed plans to phase out wooden boats used in riverine areas, to reduce the frequent boat mishaps that have claimed numerous lives.
In this regard, the state government has presented five metal 50-seater boats to riverine communities.
Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Ebbo disclosed this after the presentation of the boats in Wuya community in Gbako Local Government Area.
He explained that Niger State Community and Social Development Agency, CSDA, delivered the boats as part of Governor Umaru Bago’s initiative to ensure safer inland water transportation, support agricultural activities and enhance the safety of communities.
Ebbo hinted that the General Manager of CSDA, Aisha Abdulkadir explained that the communities requested this intervention due to the dangers posed by the wooden boats previously used, which were prone to damage and not durable on water.
According to Ebbo, while the Commissioner for Transport, Hadiza Kuta was handing over the operational code to local government chairmen, she highlighted the importance of enforcing water travel regulations and warned that violators would be dealt with accordingly.
In their separate remarks, some of the benefiting communities appreciated Governor Bago’s foresight aimed at curbing boat mishaps in the state.
AljazirahNigeria reports that recently, over 100 people died in a boat mishap at Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government Area, which prompted government’s quick intervention to prevent further occurrence.
