By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
In keeping to his promise of ensuring the safety of all in Sokoto state, the governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has flagged off the distribution of 20 motorised boats for riverine communities, even as he appealed to them to avoid overloading.
Flagging off the distribution at Kwalkwalawa River in Wamakko local government area, the governor reassured of his commitment to addressing the recurrence of water accidents, especially during the rainy season.
While admitting that the state, despite it’s geographical proximity has vast areas with a semi-arid landscape that requires water transportation especially during the rainy seasons, the governor added however that he is committed to reducing incidences of boat mishaps.
This, the governor kept to when he heeded to the recommendation of the 2024 Flood Disaster Response Committee to provide not only motorized boats but also life jackets and other relief materials.
Stating that 10 riverine local government areas are going to benefit from the gesture, the governor further warned the captains of the machines and the chairmen of the benefiting local government against overloading, which he discribed as the main cause of frequent boat capsizing in waterways transportation.
The 10 benefiting local government areas are, Shagari, Silame, Wurno, Rabah, Isa, Sabon Birni and Goronyo.
Kebbe, Tambuwal, and Wamakko respectively.
Earlier in a keynote address, the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, said the move is in continuation of the effort of the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration to improve the transport sector with the extension to rural dwellers.
On his part, the Special Advisor, State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Aminu Liman Bodinga, who divulged that over 3 billion naira was expended in the provision of 2014 flood disaster relief materials, added that, the givernor has taken step towards averting further Lisa if lives to boat mishaps.
Registering his satisfaction with the development, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar represented by
the Sarkin Adar Dundaye, Muhammad Bello Yakubu, as well as the representatives of NEMA, and the National Inland Waterways Authority jointly appreciate the
governor for the procurement and his attention to other emergency management efforts.