NIWA acquires, deploys water ambulance

BY BENJAMIN OMOIKE

The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has acquired and deployed a watercraft ambulance in a bid to meet the needs of commuters who use the waterways for business and other uses.

This is due to increased activities along the water channels owing to population growth and inadequate road infrastructure. The Authority recently met with maritime journalists and detailed as part of its intention, the deployment of a watercraft ambulance.

In response to critical empowerment of the Search and Rescue team in Lagos and as strategic fulfilment to suggestions made by the cream of maritime media at a recent parley, Dr George Morghalu, Managing Director of NIWA, deployed a new ambulance boat to the Lagos area office.

“The new watercraft is fitted with amber lights and two 175 Horse Power engines made by Yamaha, with cream colour leather interior, fitted with medical equipment, first aid boxes, communication system, and stretchers, will form the fulcrum rapid response to accidents on Lagos waterways.”

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“Rugged and built to ferry accident victims and those who require immediate medical attention to the nearest hospital and Medical Hold Bay, the ambulance watercraft can travel at controlled timing without fear or anxieties of being buffeted by high impact waves.”

It would be recalled that the issue of recurring accidents was one of the matters raised at the recent parley by pressmen and as a result, the NIWA MD found it necessary to acquire and deploy the ambulance.

The press release from NIWA continues, “Lagos waterways has the busiest watercraft traffic year round with heritage operators and water users targeted for safety advocacy by National inland Waterways Authority, Lagos area office which has deployed its task force to curb mishaps on the waterways.”