By LAGOS TACKLES WATER HYACINTH ON WATERWAYS, ASSURES ON SAFETY
Following reported case of water hyacinth clogging ferry transport activities around Lagos State waterways, the Lagos State Government has commenced an aggressive strategy to clear the waterways from hyacinth, currently impeding commercial activities of boat operators and other waterways users.
In a press statement made available to BlackBox Nigeria, the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, said the State is presently in water hyacinth season, however assuring that plans are already in top gear to combat it headlong.
Speaking on the backdrop of a video making the rounds of water hyacinth impeding the movement of commercial boat operators in Ipakodo Terminal in Ikorodu area of the State, Emmanuel said LASWA has engaged manual labour in addition to water hyacinth machines to combat the menace and free the waterways from strategic locations.
He said, “It’s the Water Hyacinth season once again and the Lagos state government is constantly looking for ways to combat this menace as it impedes Commercial activities of Boat operators and other Waterways users.
“This year the State Government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority is going to Peg and use manual labour in addition to the Water Hyacinth Machine to combat this menace. The first phase of Pegging has commenced at strategic locations to forestall the movement of water hyacinth to other areas.”
The LASWA boss also assured residents of the State’s Government’s commitment to ensure safety on waterways at all times, adding that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has already concluded plans to scale up water transportation and maximize the potentials as a viable alternative means of commuting in the State.
