The Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Miss Abisola Kamson, on Friday decried the under-utilisation of water transportation in the state.Kamson expressed her displeasure during the Ministerial Briefing by the Ministry of Transportation in Lagos.
She said that water transportation was currently under-utilised at two per cent, as against the eight per cent target, in spite of the vast water bodies available.
According to her, this has contributed to high pressure on road transportation, with constant traffic gridlock.
“Water transportation is a viable mode of transportation that compliments other modes of transportation to reduce traffic gridlock in the state.
“We are, however, re-branding water transportation, in line with international standards by introducing new guidelines and operational standards to encourage and attract more residents.
“We are presently working on proper channelisation and route delineation, to project different routes on the waterways with speed limits. We are also lighting and cleaning the waterways.
“There will be LASTMA and VIO marines to enforce traffic laws and ensure safety on our water ways,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Commissioner for Transportation, said that the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode was committed to making Lagos safe and liveable for residents.
“In order to tackle the challenges of Transport system in the state, this administration is working hard to take water transportation to the next level to make it comfortable, reliable and safe for all, ” the commissioner added.
