Governor procures life jackets for riverine communities
The Kano State Government has approved the procurement of life jackets for riverine communities to safeguard lives and property in the affected areas.
The Information Officer for Bagwai Local Government Area, Ibrahim Adamu, confirmed this in a press statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday morning.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Muhammad Ibrahim Diggol, revealed the development during a stakeholders’ meeting on water transportation held in the state capital.
According to the commissioner, the state government’s decision followed observations of recurring boat mishaps in some local communities. He explained that this prompted action to improve safety measures, particularly in the 18 local government areas traversed by rivers.
Engr. Diggol announced that the government had approved the distribution of life jackets to the affected communities as part of its commitment to reducing boat accidents that continue to endanger lives and property.
Furthermore, the commissioner stated that the ministry has finalised plans to collaborate with local governments to conduct livelihood and safety surveys. These efforts aim to enhance water transportation safety after thorough assessments of challenges facing the sector in the local communities.
“The Kano State Government has approved the distribution of life jackets to riverine communities as part of its efforts to mitigate boat mishaps that frequently claim lives and property,” said Engr. Diggol.
He added, “The Ministry of Transportation has concluded plans to work with local governments to implement livelihood surveys and safety improvements for riverine transportation following a comprehensive evaluation of the challenges affecting water transport in these areas.”
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Abdulmumin Musa Aliyu, also highlighted the objectives of the meeting. He said it sought to address the challenges associated with water transportation and propose solutions to reduce the high incidence of boat mishaps in the state.
Aliyu noted, “This meeting demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property. We call on local government councils to support the ministry’s initiatives to achieve these goals.”
