The Anambra House of Assembly has passed a motion to make life jackets on state waterways compulsory.

This followed a motion moved at plenary on Tuesday under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Ikenna Ofodeme, member representing Ekwusigo constituency and majority leader.

Mr Ofodeme, in his submission, said many lives had been lost in waterway accidents due to passengers and boat operators not using life jackets.

He said the absence of regulations compelling the use of life jackets posed a significant risk to the lives of passengers and operators of transportation on waterways.

“Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that the protection of life and property remain the primary purpose of government; the safety of citizens utilising water transportation is of paramount importance too.

“Therefore, adequate provisions and distribution of certified life jackets be made to all maritime businesses with strict enforcement mechanisms to ensure proper usage by passengers and operators alike.

“There should also be public awareness to educate citizens on the importance of wearing life jackets during water transportation and the potential consequences of non-compliance,” the lawmaker said.

Supporting the motion, Golden Iloh, representing Ihiala Constituency II, said such regulations would prevent accidents, minimise casualties, and foster a culture of responsible water travel.

Also contributing to the debate, Noble Igwe, representing Ogbaru Constituency l, said the motion was apt to save the lives of residents and maritime business operators alike.

The speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, said the safety of the citizen’s lives and property was paramount to the government.

“The state assembly calls on the state governor to direct the commissioner for transportation and other relevant agencies to compel the compulsory use of life jackets on all waterways in the state to ensure the safety of lives,” he said. 

(NAN)