Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode

State Government has given approval for the procurement of seven state of the art boats as part of the efforts to boost inland water transportation.

Chief Executive Officer, LAGFERRY Service, Mr. Paul Kalejaiye disclosed this yesterday during a condolence visit to the Oba and people of Ilashe community in Lagos.

He said that the crafts would be deployed for services before the end of the year.

Ilashe lost about twelve members of its community to a boat mishap last week, which has many others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

Kalejaiye said that the state governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode has also approved the dredging of the waterways, noting that the government was committed to protection of lives and properties in the riverine communities.

The LAGFERRY boss said that the state was set to run a modern ferry service adding that there are plans to construct a modern jetty in Ilashe to ensure safe ferry operations.

“Just yesterday, the governor in fulfillment of his promise to Lagosians to set standard in waterways transportation, approved the procurement of the ferries, and we are starting the services with seven fleets that will include a car barge”, he said.

Speaking also shortly after handing over the lifejacket to the Oba of Ilashe, the Managing Director, LASWA, Engineer Kamson said that the state government was embarking on extensive channelisation of the inland waterways to ensure that the routes were safe for navigation.

She added that the ferries when deployed would boost safe water transportation in the state.

Business&Maritime