By Pearl Ngwama
The Lagos State Government has announced the on-going renovation works of Six jetties across the metropolis and construction of ferry terminal at Badagry to meet the current demand for water transportation within the State.
The General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, who disclosed this in Lagos, recently, said that Liverpool, Ebute Ero, Bayeku, Mile 2, Ijegun Egba, and Oke Ira-Nla jetties are currently being renovated with an additional new terminal at Badagry, to cater for water transportation needs of the citizenry especially those in the coastal communities.
He also stated that in addition to the aforementioned projects, the State Government has also commenced channelisation of water routes to make it navigable for boats to glide safely, adding that Ilaje Bariga and Ojo/Badagry channels are being dredged currently.
Emmanuel also explained that the Agency will focus more on safety on the waterways through constant campaigns and awareness on the proper usage and importance of life jackets, stressing that it is vital for survival in any emergency by keeping riders safely afloat till arrival of rescue.
The General Manager also appealed to the citizenry to desist from dumping waste on the roads and bridges during traffic as this filth finds its way to the water channels which on the long run will destroy aquatic life, pollute the water and the environment.
Speaking further on the menace of water pollution, he affirmed that LASWA is working hand in hand with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to bring a lasting solution to the problem of illegal refuse dump and hygiene campaigns at coastal communities in the course of the year.
Rounding off, he assured that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led administration will work assiduously to achieve its vision of multimodal transportation, especially in the Water Transport Sector as a viable alternative, with the expectation of the delivery of seven more brand new ferries to be added to the existing 14.
