The
chairperson of North Bank Regional Disaster Management Committee, Governor
Ebrima KS Dampha, has underscored the need for stakeholders at the Barrà-
Banjul crossing points to be vigilant in strengthening safety at seaand avoid
over loading of boats.
Governor
Ebrima KS Dampha was speaking to thispaper in Kerewan on Saturday at the
ongoing maintenance works at ferry landing sites in Barra and Banjul by the
Gambia Port Authority to enhance effective and efficient service delivery.
Governor Dampha called on the Gambia Navy and
sea rescue officers to uphold to safety standards and ensure that passenger
boats are sea worthy.
They
should also ensure good life jackets are provided to all and also avoid over
loading of passengers.
He stressed the need for regular stakeholder
meeting to map out challenges and prepare standard framework of improving sea
safety and emergency respond strategy.
NBR
Governor reiterated the need for proper testing and inspection of boats and
engines to safe guard lives and livelihood and contributes to reduction of
disasters at sea.
For
his part, Momodou BK Ceesay, Regional Disaster Management Coordinator noted
that mitigating the effects of disasters calls for concerted and collaborative
efforts of stakeholders.
He
said effective coordination and response would enhance national disaster
response and adaptation measures of averting disasters.
Ceesay
used the moment to remind people at sea and fisher folks to always adhere to
early warning messages by the National Weather Office on the radio and
television.
However,
due to proper arrangement and agreement with boats owners and operators, most
people expressed the need for proper orientation of transporters in building
customer relationship through efficient service delivery.
