Following the death of 29 teenagers in a boat accident, a federal lawmaker says modern ferries will now be provided for riverine areas in Sokoto by the federal agency in charge of inland waterways.

The victims, on an expedition to fetch firewood, lost their lives after their old, wooden boat capsized inside Shari River at Gidan-Magana on Wednesday.

Representative Abubakar Umar (APC-Sokoto), says the ferries will be provided by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Mr Umar, who represents Yabo and Shagari Federal Constituency, disclosed this to reporters in Gidan-Magana village, shortly after condoling the people of the area over the sad incident.

He said that the communities to benefit are Gidan-Magana, Kambama and Lambara, among others.

Mr Umar also stated that the agency would provide adequate life jackets to the communities.

The lawmaker said, “this is in our bid to prevent the recurrence of boat mishaps in the communities.”

Mr Umar also said that he will liaise with the agency to properly train the ferry drivers and ensure the strict enforcement of the water transportation rules and regulations.

“We will leave no stone unturned in taking any measure that will safeguard the lives and properties of the people, by making water transportation much easier and safer,” Mr Umar added.

NIWA is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Transportation charged with the improvement and development of inland waterways for navigation.

It also provides an alternative mode of transportation for the evacuation of economic goods and persons, among other duties. 

(NAN)