The Lagos State Government says the drydock that will provide maintenance hub for repairs and services of the Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) boats and ferries will be completed in August.The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this at the presentation of the Lagos State Traffic Management and Transportation Sector activities on Tuesday. The event was in commemoration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s first year, second term in office.
“The drydock project which is 30 per cent done, is geared toward ensuring safety of passengers,” Osiyemi said. He added that the installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras on LAGFERRY boats was on course as well as the installation of 15ft by 128 inches led digital display signs for LAGFERRY e-fleet surveillance system. “Retrofitting, repair of boats and installation of new engines was also carried out to ensure optimal efficiency and safety,” he said.
He pointed out that LAGFERRY is currently running a public water transportation in 24 routes from 16 terminals/jetties through its 17 commercial boats.
According to him, the agency has recorded over two million ridership from inception till date. “Charged with the responsibility of providing a viable alternative to road transportation, the agency has become a standard for other boat operators to emulate. “We have a world-class water transportation that offers safe, fast and reliable mode and improved technologies for excellent customer experience.
“Toward promoting tourism and increase in ridership, the agency created some awareness windows to make water transportation a more attractive option for commuters. “This is also to optimise the blue economic potential of Lagos State through these laudable events. “Ignite the waterways was introduced on Jan. 6, Exclusive Love Lagos-Love Waterways edition was a lovely programme delivered in February, and FUJI – FUSION is planned toward June,” he said.
He said that government was partnering with the private sector for the production of ferries that would help bring down the cost.
He said that government would ensure that they are produced in accordance with international safety standards and regulations. Osiyemi added that 25 of such would be inaugurated for use in the next few weeks. He added that seven jetties and terminals were inaugurated between May 24 and May 26, 2023 for improved operations of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). “These jetties and terminals are located in different parts of the state namely: Ilashe Amuwo-Odofin, Ijegun Egba, Amuwo-Odofin, Marina, Badagry, Isalu Ajido, Badagry, Offin Ikorodu, Ito Omu Epe and Liverpool, Apapa.
“On Jan. 12 at the Commando Jetty Badagry Lagos, the agency carried out waterways cleanup campaign programme to sensitise boat operators, passengers and the public on waterways pollution and proper waya to dispose waste,” he said.
He said that on April 19, the Ibeshe Ferry Terminal was officially handed over to Thesaurus Bay by LASWA, and a floating pontoon that would ensure safe embarking and disembarking of passengers was also installed.
