Accidents and Safety350 Died In Boat Accidents In Nigeria

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Mr. Joseph Ityav, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) said no fewer than 350 people have died in different boat accidents across the country in the last year.

Ityav disclosed this in Malele town in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State at the flag-off of cutting of tree logs and removal of huge debris from the Shiroro and Kainji lakes.

He said of the figure, no fewer than 50 lives were lost in Niger State alone during the period.

The project is being executed by both the National Inland WaterWays Corporation of Nigeria and HYPPADEC at an undisclosed amount.

“The causes of river accidents in the country are the poor condition of boats, overloading of the boats, lack of life jackets and tree logs”.

“The two organizations decided to embark on the cutting of logs and removal of water snacks to contain the menace and alleviate the hardship the people face while travelling across rivers in the riverine communities of the state,” Ityav said.

In a remark, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, called for adequate follow-up, as well as monitoring and evaluation by reporting cases of accidents to the government, while also asking the organizations to discharge oversight functions adequately.

Represented by Alhaji Umar Musa Gulani, the SGF noted that the federal government is concerned about the loss of lives and property in the riverine communities of the country as a result of flood which necessitated the establishment of HYPPADEC by President Muhammadu Buhari and therefore challenged the body to discharge its duties diligently.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, charged the federal government and HYPPADEC board to do the needful by assuring Nigerians that the National Assembly will continue to lend its support through the passage of relevant legislations.

Sabi, noted that the project would bring succour to the people of the affected communities.

Hassan Umar Shallpella (Regional Correspondent)

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