The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ola Oresanya has said that more marine workers would soon be employed, to clear the Lagos Lagoon of water hyacinth.
Oresanya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that more harvesters would also be acquired, to reduce the water weeds in the state.
Water hyacinth is a free-flowing perennial plant that can grow to a height of three feet, covering water bodies and impeding .
The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ola Oresanya has said that more marine workers would soon be employed, to clear the Lagos Lagoon of water hyacinth.
Oresanya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that more harvesters would also be acquired, to reduce the water weeds in the state.
Water hyacinth is a free-flowing perennial plant that can grow to a height of three feet, covering water bodies and impeding .
“We know the danger the presence of water hyacinth poses to our waterways, especially to our local fishermen, traders and others travelling by water.
“We have, therefore, deployed more water weed harvesters and traps to strategic places on our waters.
“Also, we are increasing the number of marine workers to enable them to cover the `hot’ spots.
“We strongly believe that with these arrangements on ground, water hyacinth will be drastically reduced this season.''
Oresanya said that the organisation had decided to redouble its efforts at reducing the weeds, to forestall a recurrence of water accidents in the state.
The managing director blamed the incidence of boat mishaps in Epe to the large volume of water hyacinth in the area.
“The government of Lagos State cannot continue to lose its citizens and residents to accidents caused by water hyacinth.
“What happened in Epe sometime ago is enough to make us to be proactive in reducing these dangers associated with its presence.
“That is why we have decided to put these arrangements on ground, to avert such water accidents.’’
Oresanya also said that his organisation’s was planning to intensify the awareness campaign in Epe and other communities on the need to desist from dumping solid waste into the water bodies.
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