The Lagos state government of Nigeria has introduced 5000 drones to monitor waterways. The government brought about this initiative to ensure the lives and properties of passengers are protected while traveling by boat.
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According to Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Director General of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMU), about 70000 passengers commute daily via water transport. There are also about 1.5 million commuters monthly. This is because water is one of the fastest and easiest means of transportation. Especially in a state where residents experience traffic congestion while plying the roads.
The Lagos State Command Control Center is connecting the drones with Close Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) equipment to monitor waterways. The CCTV will ensure the safety of lives in case of emergencies. The search and rescue operations in the waterways will be more effective henceforth.
The government has already procured light equipment to be distributed to the units at Lekki, Ijegun-Egba, Ikorodu, and Ilaje-Bariga. It will also provide jet skis, ambulance boats, rescue boats, and drones for surveillance. This new development will help curb accidents on the waterways.
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