By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
As part of measures to check incessant boat mishaps along waterways causing loss of lives and properties, Niger state government has presented five metal 50-seater boats to riverine communities in the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago on Digital Media and Strategy, Mallam Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo disclosed this after presentation of the boats to the beneficiaries in Wuya community, Gbako Local Government Area.
Abdulbaqy Ebbo said the state's Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) delivered the boats as part of the Governor's initiative towards ensuring safer inland water transportation, to support agricultural activities and as well enhance safety of rural communities and their properties.
The donation is in response to plea from the Project Coordinator of CSDA, Hajiya Aisha Abdulkadir that most of the communities had requested such interventions after considering the dangers posed by the wooden boats they were previously using.
The riverine communities, according to him have realized that most of the accident were caused by malfuncional or outdated wooden boats that needed to be phased out because safety of travelers along waterways can no longer be guaranteed.
Also during the handover of the operational code to the local government Chairmen, Commissioner for Transport Hadiza Kuta highlighted the importance of enforcing water travel rules and regulations, warning that violators would be made to face prosecution if caught.
Some representatives of the benefiting communities in their separate remarks, appreciated Governor Bago for his foresight and concerns for safety of water travelers as the donation would go a long way to curb incessant boat mishaps.
Recall that recently over one hundred people from Niger state list their lives when the boat they were traveling on capsized midway into the journey at Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government area.
This proactive step by the Governor Umar Bago led administration will reduce to barest minimal prevent the perennial water related disasters along state water corridors especially in communities depending on water as only means of transportation. NNL.