By Suleiman Adamu , Sokoto
In their thousands , residents across 10 LGs Riverine communities in Sokoto state turned out hailing Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for rekindling their hope of having hitch free sail through waterways for daily business activities at the launch and distribution of motorised boats and other accessories for use.
No fewer than 20 motorised boats have been launched for distribution across 10 LGs coastal communities with fun fair as the governor warned against overloading as show of commitment to ease and ensure safety water transportation across the communities who are mostly farmers.
The local government areas are: Shagari, Silame, Goronyo, Kebbe, Tambuwal, Wamakko, Wurno, Rabah, Isa and Sabon Birni.
At the launch performed at Kwalkwalawa River in Wamakko local government area, Governor Aliyu Sokoto appealed with a warning to the captains of the machines and the chairmen of the benefiting local government against overloading, which he described as the main cause of frequent boat capsizing in waterways transportation.
Accordingly, the governor also assured of addressing the recurrence of water accidents, especially during the rainy season
” We are committed to reducing incidences of boat mishaps”, noting that he has heeded to the recommendation of the 2024 Flood Disaster Response Committee to providing not only motorized boats but also life jackets and other relief materials.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, said the efforts were in tune with Ahmed Aliyu-led administration initiatives to improve and revolutionise the transport sector to reach rural dwellers.
Meanwhile, Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser , State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said over N3 billion was expended in the provision of flood disasters relief materials explaining that Governor Aliyu Sokoto had taken step towards averting further loss of lives to boat mishaps.
In his passionate remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III represented by
the Sarkin Adar Dundaye, Muhammad Bello Yakubu, as well as the representatives of NEMA, and the National Inland Waterways Authority jointly appreciated the
governor for the efforts and attention to other emergency management concerns.
