August 10, (THEWILL) – The recent boat mishap that claimed no less than eighteen lives in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State is predictable and avoidable.
Boat accidents and their recurring decimals speak volumes about river transportation in Bayelsa State.
Of late, the sea piracy menace is equally a teething problem to marine transportation and more prevalent during annual floods in Bayelsa State when compared to the dry season. Records noted the above.
However, sea piracy defiles the season in the marine salt environment for obvious reasons. River transportation is the safest means of transportation, all things being equal and survival skills (swimming) are of importance. Unlike other forms of transportation, survival skills are just as important as safety measures.
The loss of precious lives unjustly calls for a critical evaluation of marine/river transportation in Bayelsa State and beyond.
This, in particular, is important to unlock the potential opportunities the marine environment holds for the economic sustainability of Bayelsa State and beyond.
This calls for serious concerns in addressing future occurrences and the loss of precious lives and properties.
In light of the above, it’s not out of place for synergy between government ministries, particularly the Ministries of Blue Economy and Transportation and the safety agencies to think and proffer solutions to the too many boat mishaps.
Firstly, by examining and analysing the nature and pattern of occurrence of the boat mishaps so far. Secondly, note the likely causes and periods of prevalence of the mishaps recorded before now.
In the same vein, swiftly examine the existing regulating laws, with a view to updating safety practices, structure and efficiency of bodies responsible.
The above does not let go of public education and the need for individuals to be responsive in their conduct. It’s equally important to state that operators and alike be made to face the laws cum regulations on default.
Thinking forward, the government should not only regulate and structure marine transportation but also be participatory beyond regulations. Thus, providing seacrafts and ferries that are befitting and ensuring safety standards as vehicles or taxis are made available for land transportation or routes.
It is recallable that Bayelsa State has ferry boats that apply from Yenagoa to Amassoma. They facilitate the movement of Niger Delta University students in no small measure. It’s important to note that traffic was high because of frequent movements but minimal mishaps were recorded.
However, the recall of the above example is not intended to ask for our ferry boats. The immediate above implies and indicates the role or essence of the government and good governance (ensuring law and order, protection of lives and properties and welfare of citizenry).
Intricately, the adoptational skill and cultural practice of the Izon man (swimming) is on the decline and worrisome. Putting into consideration that Bayelsa state is 80 percent water environment and the most riverine state in Nigeria.
*** Written by Ofoni Williams
