BOOSTING WATER TRANSPORT: LASG begins construction of ferry terminal in Badagry, renovating 6 other jetties
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Five Cowrie’s Terminal, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.
In its resolve to make intermodal transport accessible especially to those in the coastal communities, Lagos State Government has begun renovation of six jetties across the metropolis and started the construction of an ultra-modern ferry terminal in Badagry.
The General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, Mr Damilola Emmanuel, made the announcement while fielding question on a current affairs program at Traffic Radio, on the trail to 600 days’ milestone of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
Chronicling where the jetties renovations are currently being done, Mr Damilola Emmanuel named the beneficiaries as Liverpool, Ebute Ero, Bayeku, Mile 2, Ijegun Egba, and Oke Ira-Nla Jetties. while the construction of an ultra-modern terminal is ongoing in Badagry.
He added that the Ilaje/Bariga and Ojo/Badagry channels are presently being dredged to make the water routes better to navigate for boats to glide safely.
Emmanuel also appealed to the concerned Lagosians to desist from dumping waste on the roads and bridges during traffic and when it rains, as these filths find their ways to the water channels which ultimately destroys aquatic life, pollute the water and the environment, and constitute a threat to mankind.
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.
He added that in the course of the new year, media campaigns and public education on acceptable conduct shall be brought to everyone at the coastal communities with the view to achieving acceptable behavioural attitude that will help preserve the ecosystem of the coastal areas.
The General Manager also said the instructive campaign on the benefits of proper wearing of life jackets by passengers and crew will be the main focus of the public enlightenment campaign in the new year.
He explained that should the unexpected happens, the life jacket becomes the most important means by which life could be saved as riders will be safely kept afloat until rescuers would arrive to do the needful and as such, save lives.
Speaking further on the menace of water pollution, he revealed 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 through campaigns at coastal communities in the course of the year.
Damilola Emmanuel emphasized that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration will work tirelessly to achieve its vision of multimodal transportation, especially in the water transport sector as a viable alternative to road transport
It’s in the public domain that the Lagos State Government is expected to take delivery of seven more brand new ferries to be added to the existing 14, thus boosting the capacity of the state ferry service to cope with the increasing need for water transport
In the same vein, the GM had reminded boat operators not to venture on travelling at night. He said that heavy sanctions await any operator who undermined the rule.
He also warned operators against being miserly in the stock of fuel for their boat as most hiccups experienced in the high sea were as a result of insufficient fuel in their tanks.
The GM advised operators to plan their trip in such a way that they will be able to reach five cowrie’s terminal at Falomo, Ikoyi to conveniently refuel their boat for safe and secured operation.
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