The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has distributed 200 life jackets to victims of recent boat mishap at Zhigiri village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The commission’s Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, who handed the jackets to the Village Head, Umaru Musa led the HYPPADEC officials on a condolence visit described the incident as unfortunate and devastating.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and emphasised the need for the communities to embrace safety measures on maritime transportation.
“I know water transportation is not new to you, but now, with the increase in the volume of water due to the construction of Zungeru Dam, you must adopt safety measures especially the use of life jackets and avoid night travels on water”. He said.
The managing director said he was happy with the enthusiasm shown by the community to use the life jackets and abide by other safety guidelines.
The villagers were educated on how to utilise the jackets while officials from the Ministry of Transport, HYPPADEC and NIWA would be deployed to monitor and ensure compliance.
The Village Head of Zhigiri Umaru Musa, who received the jackets, thanked HYPPADEC, noting that it was the first they saw the life jacket.
North Central Trust recalls that a boat conveying villagers from Zhigiri to Dneweto capsized on Zungeru Dam leading to the loss of seven lives.
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