LASWA, Ferry Operators Plans Classification Of Boats

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has commenced moves to classify boats operating in the state’s waterways with a view to boosting the safety of water transport in the Lagos .
LASWA’s  management  last week met with ferry service providers and boats operators and intimated them with the plans to classify boats and urged them to embrace the exercise for the good of commuters, operators and government.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has commenced moves to classify boats operating in the state’s waterways with a view to boosting the safety of water transport in the Lagos .
LASWA’s  management  last week met with ferry service providers and boats operators and intimated them with the plans to classify boats and urged them to embrace the exercise for the good of commuters, operators and government.
Speaking at the meeting, LASWA’s Director of operations, Engr Segun Adekoya said that  the need to carry out a classification exercise of boats operating in Lagos cannot be over emphasized adding that not all boats have the same capacity.
Engr Adekoya explained to boat operators that the government is aware of the fact  that they working under very stringent conditions, but assured the water transporters that the government is working out a relief package for them.
He also disclosed that the state government has planned to legalise the insurance cover for both the boat, crew and passengers and urged operators to key into the new law when it is eventually enacted.
Boat operators at the meeting however complained of the double taxation by LASWA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and called on  these agencies to harmonized their charges to ease their operations.
The ferry service providers also appealed to LASWA to reduce its registration fee and extend the sailing time from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M.
Operators also suggested a manifest for passengers should be in place for easy identification  in case of any eventuality.