LASWA Estimates 3m Commuters Monthly On Waterways

T

he Managing Direc
tor of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Mr Olayinka Marinho, says an estimated three million commuters will be transported monthly through the waterways in 2014.

Marinho, who announced this to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, said that over two million people currently travel by water in the state monthly.

According to him, the state government is investing on water transportation to de-congest the road of heavy traffic.

He said that the government was ready to push high capacity boats into the waterways.

“A great deal of people are now getting to know the gains in water transportation; it is safe, cheap and very quick. You get to your destination in good time.

“We have been able to move about two million people per month and if you look at our figures, they are still rising. “And we aim to increase the number to three million monthly as we plan to push more boats on the waterways,” Marinho said.

The managing director said that the authority had increased its awareness campaign on the advantages of the waterways and more operators and vessels were now on the waterways.

“The Lagos State Government will, before the end of the first quarter, push out more high capacity ferries on the waterways to enhance water transportation.”

According to him, more than 200 vessels are being operated by about 50 operators on the waterways, adding that more are being expected.

The LASWA boss said that the authority was making concerted effort to ensure safety on its waterways through the enforcement of life jackets usage before embarking on voyage.

“Our water guards usually supervise each of the jetties to ensure that passengers comply with the safety requirements of LASWA.

“The agency enforces a lot of safety check; we certify and inspect all the boats that travel within the waterways to enhance safety”, he said.

The managing director, who said that safety was paramount to the authority, advised operators and passengers to observe the rules.