The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and have collectively issued an operational standing order to commercial boat operators in Lagos.
In a statement signed by the General Manager of LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel and the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Braimah and issued on Friday, the operators were urged to adhere to the new guidelines to guarantee the safety of passengers on the inland waterways.
The statement was entitled “Post COVID-19 operational standing order for commercial boats operators on Lagos Island waterways.”
It said, “All double engine (four-stroke engine) driven boat are to revert to pre-COVID-19 full capacity as approved based on inspection, while all two-stroke single engine-driven boat are to maintain maximum of 75 per cent passenger capacity as approved based on inspection.
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“However, with effect from January 1, 2021, all operators utilising tiller handle on the outboard engines for steering/manoeuvring T-Long Boat (open) and W23 boats (open) are requested to procure and mount a Hydraulic Steering System on the boats for improved safety and better manoeuvring.”
All operators utilising Helm Steering System are also requested to procure and mount a Hydraulic Steering System on the boats for improved safety and better manoeuvring, the statement added.
