Rivers State Youth Parliament Task Government on Efficient Water Transportation

As condolences pour on families of the victims of the recent boat mishap on Bonny River, the Rivers State Youth Parliament has called government at all levels to improve water transportation in the State to reduce incidences of boat mishap and loss of lives on the waterways.

The Parliament made this call on Thursday, January 11, 2024 via a statement by its Leader, Agbo Joseph, and Deputy Leader, Godspower Egbule, and made available to Kristina Reports in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Parliament expressed sadness over the incident which led to the loss of 11 lives, including those of five children, urging the government to partner with relevant stakeholders in the marine transport sector to secure bigger boats with a view to upgrading water transportation.

“In building a safe water transportation system, it is important for the government to build on international best practices to follow the benchmark from other countries on how they have successfully built their transport infrastructure.”

The youth lawmakers added that proper attention should be given to the water transportation system as the system is not really reliable.

Sympathizing with the bereaved families and friends, the State Youth Parliament tasked the government to secure and employ the services of professional divers for immediate response to emergencies along the waterways, adding that adherence to safety regulations must be the watchword in the water transportation sector.

Kristina Reports has reported earlier that the boat mishap claimed 11 lives, five of them children aged between six months and seven years, while rescued 14 survivors were ferried to their abodes in Amariari Fishing Settlement in Finima Community, Bonny LGA.