Business
Police Begin Safety Checks On Waterfronts In Rivers
As part of measures to stem the incessant boat accidents along waterways in Rivers State, the Police says they have commenced frequent safety checks on waterfronts across the state.
Spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni who disclosed this said the move is to stop unprofessional conduct of marine operations and touting on waterfronts.
Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) also said the police would monitor the activities of boat operators in the state as well as checking boats and loading activities on waterfronts.
These measures , he explained were to ensure that safety measures are adhered to before embarking on water travels in the state.
“Before now we (Police) patrol the waterways intermittently to ensure that there were no cases of piracy, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
“Now that our attention has been drawn to this repeated cases of boat mishaps, we will shift our attention to boat drivers. They (boat drivers) need to be called to order.
“They are plying these waterways without abiding by the safety rules. Henceforth, we will deploy our men to monitor them strictly and ensure that they do what is right in the circumstance,” Omoni said.
The spokesman of the state command further said the police will enforce the compulsory use of life jackets by all those plying the waterways.
“Wearing of life vests will be compulsory and our men will be on the ground to ensure that passengers must wear the life vests.
“Boat drivers too will be compelled to obey safety rules by not over speeding, “Omoni stated; while calling on all stakeholders to assist the police in this regard.
“These accidents have been caused by systemic failures. So, all hands must be on deck.
“The government, individuals, private persons, traditional rulers, all have to come onboard to exert our influence on those that use the waterways to reduce these accidents,” he further said.