The Lagos State Government has embarked on the renovation 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), Damilola Emmanuel, who disclosed this during an interview session to mark 600 days of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, added that Liverpool, Ebute-Ero, Bayeku, Mile 2, Ijegun-Egba and Oke Ira-Nla Jetties are currently being renovated, while there is an ongoing construction of a new terminal at Badagry.
He said the new terminal at Badagry, when completed, will cater for water transportation needs of residents, especially those in the coastal communities, informing that the State Government has also commenced the channelisation of water routes to make it navigable for boats to glide safely.
While stating that the Ilaje Bariga and Ojo/Badagry channels are being dredged currently, Emmanuel explained that the agency will focus more on safety on the waterways, through continuous sensitisation and awareness campaigns on the proper usage and importance of life jackets, stressing that they are vital to keeping riders afloat in an emergency situation until rescuers arrive.
He also appealed to the citizenry to desist from dumping waste on the roads and bridges during traffic as the filth end up in water channels which will, in the long run, destroy aquatic life, pollute the water and the environment.
The General Manager affirmed that LASWA is working hand in hand with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to evolve a lasting solution to the problem of illegal refuse dump and hygiene in coastal communities during the course of the year.
He also assured that the present administration will work assiduously to achieve its vision of multimodal transportation, especially in the water transport sector as a viable alternative, promising that more brand new ferries will soon be added to the existing LASWA fleet.