The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, has advised passengers using the waterways to adhere strictly to all safety guidelines as provided by the Lagos State Government.
In a statement, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel urged intending passengers to wash their hands before boarding or use hand sanitizer, wear face mask at all times, maintain social distancing on the queue, and wear life jacket properly while on board.
He reiterated that to cushion the effect of the Third Mainland Bridge repairs, LASWA in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA had mapped out alternative routes to enable Lagosians get to their destinations faster using the waterways.
The LASWA GM who said ferries plying the routes would be available from 6 o’clock in the morning to 6 o’clock in the evening restated that his Agency in partnership with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority and the State Safety Commission had also deployed safety systems to ensure maximum safety and security on the waterways.
According to him, some of the safety and security systems put in place include the deployment of Safety Marshals, LASWA waterguards, security provided by the NIWA Police Command Marine Police with Strategic Positioning at Yaba, Oworo, Marina and Falomo, and Patroling of routes during Peak Periods as well as the stationing of Water Ambulances at Jetties in strategic locations.
Yemisi Oreoluwa