The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) have arrested six crew members on three different vessels over violation of safety protocols within the state inland waterways.
The suspects were arrested at CMS, Elegbeta and Iddo waters respectively.
The LASWA Monitoring and Enforcement Team revealed that those arrested were not putting on their life jackets thereby violating the extant laws and safety regulations of the Lagos waterways authority.
It also stated that two of the arrested persons were dredgers while others were barge operators.
Part of the statement read, “The Monitoring and Enforcement Team of the Lagos State Waterways Authority while on patrol today the 11th August, 2020 apprehended a total number of six crew members on three different vessels which include two dredgers and a barge in Elegbeta, Iddo and CMS areas of Lagos for not complying with waterways safety regulations.
“All those arrested were caught not putting on their life jackets thereby violating the extant laws and safety regulations of the Lagos waterways.”
LASWA vowed to sensitise all waterways users and also to penalise all erring operators that violate the rules.
There have been reports of accidents on waterways in Lagos in recent times, the latest being on July 29, which claimed more than 10 lives.
The survivor of the boat mishap has recounted the tragic accident.
The survivor, Moruf Kelani, blamed the tragic incident on greed by boat operators and regulatory officials.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority had said an open boat carrying 19 passengers capsized at about 6.00 PM en route to Badagry on July 29.
