The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has advised the commercial boat operators and all waterways users to strictly adhere to new guidelines for the operations of water transportation system in Lagos State.
In a statement issued at the weekend by the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the new guidelines is aimed at preventing community based Corona virus in the State.
He said the Agency had consulted and communicated with all stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, the Leadership of Association of Tourist Boat and Water Transport of Nigeria, (ATBOWATON), LAGFERRY, and other Private Boat operators to further enlighten their members and staff on the proactive safety measures put in place by the state government towards gradual ease of Covid-19 lockdown.
The GM stated that no ferry would be allowed to operate except those that complied strictly with all precautionary measures such as disinfection of ferry before embarking on any trip, loading of passengers not more than 60% of boat capacity, provision of hand sanitizers and wearing of face mask by all waterways users.
“Terminal operators are also mandated to provide hand washing equipment with soap for the use of everyone coming into the terminal while also maintaining social distancing rule within their premises,” he said.
The GM warned that the agency would not hesitate to sanction any operator that disobeyed government directive which commenced on Monday 4th May, 2020.
He further reiterated, “our Water Guards would be on standby at every jetty and terminal to ensure compliance while the LASWA Monitoring Team and Marine Police will be on regular patrol of the waterways to apprehend violators.
“To this end we solicit the support of everyone in our effort to avoid further spread of Corona virus on the water ways.”