…But Jetty Operator Says Water Transportation Will Reduce Accidents, Traffic Jam

But while Lagosians were still mourning those who died a s a result of the ferry accident at Festac, the Chief Executive Officer, Tarzan Jetty, Maroko in Lagos, Mr Ganiyu Balogun, also yesterday said that adopting effective water transportation as an alternative to road transportation system would reduce the frequency of accidents.
Balogun said in Lagos that water transportation would reduce traffic jams and accidents on the roads if the Federal Government could revive the inland water transportation sub-sector.

But while Lagosians were still mourning those who died a s a result of the ferry accident at Festac, the Chief Executive Officer, Tarzan Jetty, Maroko in Lagos, Mr Ganiyu Balogun, also yesterday said that adopting effective water transportation as an alternative to road transportation system would reduce the frequency of accidents.
Balogun said in Lagos that water transportation would reduce traffic jams and accidents on the roads if the Federal Government could revive the inland water transportation sub-sector.
He appealed to the federal government to invest adequately in water transportation to boost tourism.
Balogun, who is also the President, National Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters (NATBOWAT), said that investing in water tourism would also enhance the life span of the roads.
According to him, the roads are in bad shape and tourists are finding it difficult to move around.
“The government needs to invest more in water tourism so that boat operators can open up the waterways for boat services.
“This can also help to promote tourism and commercial activities within the riverine communities,’’ Balogun said.
The expert said that water transportation was an area of the economy that could not be neglected by any responsible government as it could generate huge employment and revenue.
“Opening up the waterways will help to improve water transportation and this can serve as an avenue for economic development and security of the nation,’’ he said.
Balogun also said that water transportation offered the users smooth and a relaxed channel for moving goods and services.
“Government should assist private investors to import modern ships, ferries and boats to make water transportation easier and safer for people.
“We cannot do it alone, it requires the assistance of the government to reduce water accident also,’’ he said.