Fatshimetrie, October 19, 2024 – Crucial measures were put in place during a meeting between travel agencies and carriers in Kasenyi, located near Bunia, in the Ituri region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The safety of passengers sailing on Lake Albert is at the heart of concerns, and concrete actions have been taken to prevent accidents and maritime tragedies.
Among these essential measures, the compulsory wearing of life jackets has been introduced, thus guaranteeing increased protection for passengers in the event of an emergency. In addition, respecting the number of passengers per seat in the boats, the embarkation time not exceeding 10:30 a.m. and the weight limit for hand luggage at 10 kgs contribute to strengthening the safety of lake trips.
The Lake Commissioner of Lake Albert, Pierre-Marie Udari Ulama, stressed that these measures were taken in collaboration with local authorities, travel agencies and the association of transporters. The primary objective of these actions is to prevent tragedies and shipwrecks that could occur on Lake Albert, thus providing optimal protection to passengers.
For his part, the Chief of the Bahema Sud sector, André Takumara Kataloho, stressed the importance for travel agencies and transporters to respect these security measures. Any offender will be subject to sanctions in accordance with the law in force, in order to guarantee the safety of maritime journeys.
Following this meeting, travel agencies and the association of transporters worked together to set up a new system for organizing schedules, thus ensuring better planning of departures and efficient management of journeys on Lake Albert. These initiatives aim to create a safer and more orderly environment for travelers, while reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring more regular and reliable navigation.
Ultimately, these enhanced security measures on Lake Albert demonstrate the commitment of the authorities and local stakeholders to ensure the protection and well-being of passengers during their maritime travel. Increased vigilance and rigorous application of these measures are essential to preserve the tranquility and safety of travel on the lake, thus providing a serene and hassle-free travel experience for residents and visitors to the Ituri region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.