The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said that its Enforcement Team on COVID-19 Waterways Operational Guidelines had begun routine patrols and given warnings to erring boat operators.
General Manager of LASWA and Leader of the Enforcement Team, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said in Lagos that the team would not hesitate to sanction erring operators.
According to Emmanuel, all stakeholders on the state waterways have been duly informed of the new guidelines.
He said that the patrol was to ensure strict adherence to water transport guidelines following gradual ease of the COVID-19-induced lockdown of Lagos State.
“The enforcement team on Tuesday commenced state-wide inspection of commercial ferry operations with an unscheduled visit to some jetties in Apapa to monitor compliance by commercial ferry operators and other waterway users.
“The enforcement team observed substantial compliance with the government directives.
“Notwithstanding, there were few operators who violated the 60% carrying capacity, and they were warned. If repeated, they will be sanctioned accordingly,” he said.
Emmanuel added that ferry passengers were advised to always wear face mask and ensure physical distancing among themselves in order to avoid possible contact with an infected person.
According to him, the jetties where ferry operations were monitored by the team include Temidire-Ajegunle and Liverpool jetty in Apapa.
The LASWA boss said that waterways patrol and the enforcement would continue.
“The authority will continue to monitor all activities on the inland waterways; more important is adherence to water transport guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to support government’s efforts to reduce novel coronavirus spread in Lagos and the entire Nigeria.
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