Many passengers plying the Calabar-Olong waterway in wooden speedboats complain that many of the boats leak water while traveling.
They therefore appealed to relevant government agencies to intervene and either remove and refurbish these boats or ban them from sailing in the area entirely.
In an interview at Safe Journey Beach in Calabar, they lamented that the lives of the passengers were in serious danger as the boat could capsize at any time due to water leakage.
One passenger, who gave his name as Philip, called on the government not to delay action any further.
“The big challenge that is currently the biggest challenge is that almost all the boats that ply the waterways in Calabar are leaking, and in high water areas, large amounts of water can easily flow into the boats while driving, causing and the lives of the passengers are at risk.
“Governments should take immediate steps to ensure those that are leaking are rectified or banned if only to save precious lives.”
Effiom Asuquo, a former chairman of the Maritime Workers Union and a boat owner, said owners and operators were mindful of the safety of their boats and passengers.
“As a boat operator myself, I pay close attention to my boat. We have many unions, including not only the operator’s union but also the boat drivers’ union.
“The Nigerian Navy is also particular about the safety of its water passengers. This is why we have up to four checkpoints on our waterways in case of any eventuality.”
Source: dailypost.ng