The Ondo State Government has launched the clearing of waterways and the distribution of life jackets to coastal communities in the State.
The State Commissioner for Transport, Gbenga Omole, who stood in for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the event held at Oil Mill and Ebute Irele in Okitipupa Local Government Area, said the initiative is aimed at protecting residents from boat mishaps.
The unfortunate boat mishaps in Kebbi, Kogi, Niger and Kwara States in the past few months and the avoidable loss of lives, propelled the Ondo State Government to take these proactive steps regarding its waterways.
Water weeds, otherwise known as water hyacinths, have taken over most of the waterways in the coastal communities of the state.
While launching the clearing of waterways in Okitipupa Local Government Area, the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Commissioner for Transport, Gbenga Omole, said the initiative is aimed at protecting residents from boat mishaps and mitigating negative outcomes in case of accidents
He explained that the project will be carried out across the four affected local government areas, which are Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa and Irele.
The State government also distributed life jackets to travellers on the waterways.
Some boat operators, through their leaders, expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative.
Sunday Ijitade, Chairman of Idepe/ Okitipupa branch
Tosin Adebusoye, Chairman of Oluwa boys.
It is hoped that clearing the waterways and providing life jackets for travellers will make water travel safer for people in the coastal communities.
