The Lagos State Government says it will procure seven world class standard ferries to ply the already identified navigable and viable routes in the state.
Mr Ladi Lawanson, the state Commissioner for Transportation said in Lagos, that the ferries were being awaited.
Lawanson said that some observed infractions were being rectified at the various jetties.
He said: “While there were no ferries at the inception of this administration, efforts are already at advanced stage to procure seven ferries that are of world class standard.
“They are to be deployed to identified navigable and viable routes which include: Ikorodu – Falomo; Falomo – Victoria Island; Ebute Ojo – Ijegun and Egba/Ibese – Egba/Badagry.
“Others are Badore – Ijede, Mile 2 – Ebute Ero, Badore -Victoria Island and Lekki – Whispering Palms – Badagry for tourism.
“This will not only reduce travel time for commuters and ease traffic congestion, but also reduce negative emissions into the atmosphere by petrol and diesel powered vehicles,’’ he said.
The commissioner said that Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) was created based on the government’s concern for and commitment to decongest the roads as well as ensure safety and security of commuters patronising all modes of transportation in the state.
Lawanson said that the agency was saddled with the responsibility to regulate, develop and manage all aspects of the waterways and ensure growth in the modal share of ferry services.
The commissioner said that the state government was willing to collaborate with the German Government to develop a robust water transportation system.
According to him, Lagos being the most strategic economy in Africa, is looking toward Germany to benchmark its strides and investments in transportation.
He added that with Germany’s competence, it would rub positively on the state’s water transportation system.
The commissioner said that part of the plans to further decongest the roads was to explore the opportunities presented by the water bodies toward ensuring that importers could pick up their containers at any of the state’s jetties.
Lawanson added that such development would reduce the inflow of traffic into Apapa Ports for such transactions.
He urged the Consul-General to facilitate good bilateral relationship between Germany and Lagos State Government, being the most critical state in the country.
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