11th July, 2012
Due to the repair works on the Third Mainland Bridge, the Lagos State Government has charged commuters to explore the use of water transportation to get to their destinations on Lagos Island.
Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa,during a tour of the waterway from Ikorodu to Lagos Island yesterday urged Lagosians to explore the option of water transportation to beat the traffic snarls occasioned by the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Many Lagosians have resorted to using water transportation from Ikorodu to Lagos Island, a journey that usually takes about 30 minutes.
“Our waterway is available for use. We have jetties and we are building bigger ones to support bigger ferries. Lagosians should know that water transportation is available from Ikorodu to the Island,” he said.
The commissioner said the government was currently carrying out an upgrade in the water transportation to make it safer, adding that the boats being used by the operators were very safe, reliable and efficient.
Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, Yinka Marinho said once the Ikorodu jetty is commissioned, it would further boost water transportation in the state.
He disclosed that the ferries currently convey between 1.3 million and 1.4 million commuters monthly, adding that when more people use water transportation, it would help to decongest the road system.
According to him: “Government does not run ferries but we regulate their services. We conduct bi-annual checks on them. In terms of waterways, government is investing in infrastructure. Right now, people have phobia for water and we are trying to break it,” he said.
He disclosed that there were 59 operators currently engaging in water transportation across the state, adding that they have the facilities that would cater for the needs of the people.
—Kazeem Ugbodaga