Lagos commences renovation, construction of jetties

The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of renovation works on six jetties across the metropolis.

Also, it announced the construction of a ferry terminal at Badagry to meet the current demand for water transportation within the state.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Transportation on Friday, it said Liverpool, Ebute Ero, Bayeku, Mile 2, Ijegun Egba, and Oke Ira-Nla jetties were currently being renovated with an additional new terminal at Badagry to cater for water transportation needs.

Quoting an interview on radio by the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Oluwdamilola Emmanuel, the state government said it had commenced channelisation of water routes to make it navigable for boats to glide safely, adding that Ilaje Bariga and Ojo/Badagry channels were being dredged.

Emmanuel also explained that the agency would focus more on safety on the waterways through constant campaigns and awareness on the proper usage and importance of life jackets.

He stressed its importance for survival in an emergency by keeping riders safely afloat till the arrival of rescue.

Emmanuel appealed to the citizenry to desist from dumping waste on the roads and bridges during traffic as the filth find their ways to the water channels which in the long run destroy aquatic life and pollute the water and the environment.

Speaking further on the menace of water pollution, he affirmed that LASWA was 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.

The LASWA boss also disclosed that seven new ferries would be added to the existing 14 to strengthen the sector.