In a strategic response to the partial closure of
the iconic third mainland bridge for repairs in Lagos, the National Inland
Waterways Authority (Niwa) has deployed forty feet floating jetties to help
bring water transportation services close to commuters throughout the six
months repairs duration of the bridge.
The floating jetties are to compliment the
flagging off of four brand new water transportation routes located
at Adekunle, under the third mainland bridge outward oworoshonki from
Yaba, another at Lekki phase one by Niwa police post, Oyingbo and at Oworoshonki,
in bound the island.
As at Friday, two of four new routes, at Adekunle
(Yaba) and Lekki phase one were opened for immediate operation while the
remaining two at Oworoshonki and Oyingbo will be put use after minor dreading
of the waterfront ambiance.
Engineer Sarat Lara Briamah, Lagos Area manager of
Niwa, disclosed that the effort which is subject to review throughout the
duration of repairs on bridge, was in response to bring succour to over 33
thousand commuters who ply the all-important link bridge in and out
of the island to work and other sundry businesses.
"This alternate transportation services certainly
will help reduce traffic flow, save users of the bridge expected stress, loss
of valuable man hour and also ease vehicular movement of goods and
services out of the island, not foreclosing the health benefits of using water
transportation" she explained while Flagging off the effort on Friday in
Lagos.
Flanked by the chairman of the organised boat operators
in Lagos, Mr Lawal Saheed and staff of Niwa, Engineer Braimah noted that the
intervention by Niwa was well thought out as the effort will not only to bring
water transportation services closer to Lagos communities but will
provide the needed data for initiating a blanket floating jetty
projects across the vast Lagos inland waterways under the watch of national
inland waterways authority to operationalise a revolution on water
transportation as a solution to the unexplainable traffic situation in Lagos.
"Our managing director, Dr George Moghalu mandated
us in Lagos to be futuristic and proactive in the discharge of our obligations
and of an inclusive response to the challenge of the partial closure of the
bridge but to also holistically chart a new agenda in opening up certain
waterfront areas, deploying floating jetties not just about temporary response
but as strategic plan to make every part of Lagos accessible by water and
provide roads on water "She noted.
On security and usage of the floating jetties, the Niwa
boss in Lagos informed that security will be provided round the clock at
the identified take off points by Niwa police and sister security agencies
while the organised boat operators in Lagos will man the daily operation at the
new jetties.
"We are collaborating with the Lagos chapter
of the Association Tourist Boat operators and water Transporters(
atbowaton) and their chairman, Mr Lawal Saheed has assured of a hundred percent
buy-in on this project," Engineer Braimah further explained, adding that
all categories of water transportation services will be monitored to avoid any
mishap or sharp practices.
“We are determined to make it work despite lean
resources at a time like this and we expect Lagosians to embrace the effort.
And to make the new routes popular, we have done radio jingle and likewise, printed
hands bills to be distributed at strategic points to motorists and other
commuters who will be encouraged to park their vehicles either at home or at
the designated jetty areas and take to the waters for ease of doing business
even after the bridge is fully opened to capacity operations.” She stated.
Already, the big boat transportation services outfits
such as Tarzan boats, Texas Connection, Sea lift and Seacoach, have
signified readiness to deploy their boats to boost the Niwa initiative.
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