The Lagos State Waterways Authority
has commenced the distribution of 3,500 life jackets
to operators across major jetties in the state before the expiration of
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure.
This was disclosed to newsmen at the commencement of the distribution exercise at the LASWA office to Boat Operators in Ikorodu axis.
A total of 1000 life jackets was distributed to 85 operators from Ikorodu ferry operators alone.
In his welcome address LASWA’s General Manager Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel states the reason why the distribution had to start with the Ikorodu operators, he maintained that the route had remain viable for a long time and has recorded a high traffic enroute falomo jetty.
He also noted that good synergy now exist between LASWA and NIWA now than ever before to ensure sustainable safety plans on the waterways in Lagos state.
The LASWA boss however, disclosed that the life jackets were facilitated by the Equus Trade Logistics a trusted partner in ensuring waterways safety along Ikorodu axis to bolster and ease travels on water.
He added that aside the Ikorodu
axis, Ojo, Liver pool and Badagry will be the next port of call for the life
jackets distribution.
“This is a statement by the state government that it’s committed towards
ensuring safety on our waterways, so we are donating a thousand life jackets to
Ikorodu commercial boat operators.
“We are also installing maker buoys along the navigable routes on
waterways to enable all vessels to know the proper channel around the
waterways.
“We are not just given the life jackets to operators today we are also educating them to know how best to kit their passengers and the and sustainability of it.
Speaking, on the need for a clean
waterways, Oluwadamilola faulted people’s lack of good environment culture.
” Generally the cleanliness of the waterways is a collective
responsibility aside the regulators NIWA and LASWA.
” I think as a people we need to change our culture as regards littering
our environment because the major dirt’s cited on the water comes from our
indiscriminate disposal of waste.
“60 percent of the water wastes are pet bottles we dispose daily. The state government have purchased machines for clearing the waterways, some companies are also collaborating with us in a form of Corporate Social Responsibility.
We need the people to stop littering our waterways, we are driving safety messages through the various radio and TV stations and we are also visiting schools to inculcate in them while young the need to ensure that the waterways are not littered.
“The life jackets distribution started with Ikorodu axis will continue from Ojo to Liverpool axis back to Badagry as well.
Mrs Amina Agboola the Corporate Service Director of Equus Trade Logistics, while speaking with newsmen cited why it paramount to ensure a safer and cleaner waterways.
According to her Equus are concessionaires responsible for the Ikorodu ferry terminal safety supporting and partnering with operators and regulators on the waterways.
“We are giving life jackets to ensure a safer waterways.We work with LASWA directions and set standards, we implement safety policy,including the manifest and ensuring the passengers follow, operational standards daily.
The President of Integrated Boat Association (IBOA) Pastor Jide Daniel a seasoned seafarer, was also on hand to commend LASWA and her partners for the good collaboration in making water transportation more attractive to intending passengers.
He also urge operators to keep the waterways safe and clean for the good of all commuters.
Mr Munirudiin Kolade Adesiyan,the
National General Secretary of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and
Water Transportation of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), appreciated the donors and LASWA
for the continuous wonderful collaboration.
He cited the fact that the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has done a lot
to relax harsh regulations previously existent in the waterways business.
“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has done a lot in encouraging our operations, he gave us a relaxed regulations which was none existent in previous administration.
” He has also opened up lots of jetties in Ikorodu, Badagry,Ojo,Bariga and Epe, but we want what obtained in Bangladesh here, zero water accidents as accidents most times drives away hundreds of our prospective passengers.
“We also canvass for inclusion of ATBOWATON in the management of jetties for we have the required years of experience as we ferried 90 percent of waterway users.
He also harped on the importance of engaging qualified boat operators licensed by NIWA, while pleading with LASWA to help get rid of dirt’s clugging the waterways