- Ewhrudjakpo emphasized that the government would no longer tolerate the presence of illegal inflammables
The Bayelsa State Government has imposed a ban on cooking in local wooden boats following a tragic waterway accident that claimed 20 lives in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area last week.
In addition to the ban, the government has mandated the use of life jackets and the provision of life buoys for all boat operators, aiming to enhance safety on the state’s waterways.
The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who spoke on behalf of Governor Douye Diri, conveyed the government’s condolences to the victims’ families during the State Executive Meeting in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
Ewhrudjakpo emphasized that the government would no longer tolerate the presence of illegal inflammables on boats, except for the necessary fuel required for journeys. This measure, he said, is crucial to preventing future fire incidents and other avoidable mishaps.
“Cooking in all boats is now prohibited, and all travelers, whether on speedboats or local wooden boats, must wear life jackets. Additionally, every boat is required to have life buoys, and the ban on night travel remains in effect,” he stated.
Ewhrudjakpo also expressed the government’s sorrow over a recent kidnapping incident along the Nembe-Brass route, assuring the public that measures are being taken to secure the waterways.
“No boat should exceed its listed capacity, and we extend our gratitude to all who contributed to the rescue efforts following the Southern Ijaw boat accident,” he added.
He specifically thanked Bayelsans, including the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo, and members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, for their roles in the search and recovery operations.