Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Government is set to deploy more boats to some routes to commute passengers on the waterways in the state.
This, according to a release by the government on Monday (yesterday), is part of the efforts to cushion the likely effects of the ongoing road rehabilitation on Ojota-Ikorodu road Interchange and the traffic diversion announced by the State’s Ministry of Transportation.
The deployment of more boats by the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) is expected to increase daily trips from the Ipakodo Terminal, Bayeku and Ijede Jetties in Ikorodu and Bariga Terminal to Victoria Island, Falomo-Ikoyi, Ebute-Ero and CMS/Marina.
The Managing Director, LAGFERRY, Mr. Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, said that the deployment of more boats for the expected increase in daily trips became necessary in order to provide a safe, fast and reliable alternative mode of transportation through the waterways and to lessen the traffic congestion that may arise from the ongoing road rehabilitation.
He enjoined the commuting public to take advantage of the Water Transportation, especially as it regards its timeliness, safety and comfort, stating that a journey by boat from the Ipakodo Terminal to Five Cowries Terminal and Falomo-Ikoyi takes just 30 minutes, while a journey from Bayeku and Ijede Jetties, both in Ikorodu, to Badore-Ajah via Oke-Ira Nla in Eti- Osa, will be completed in less than 10 minutes.
He explained that residents and traders of Somolu, Bariga, Yaba, Gbagada and workers at WAEC, UNILAG, YABATECH and FCE Akoka will spend approximately 12 minutes to complete a journey from Bariga Terminal to Ebute-Ero via Victoria Island, Falomo-Ikoyi and CMS/Marina.
While guaranteeing the safety of the public on trips operated by LAGFERRY, in collaboration with LASWA, NIWA and Marine Police, Ladi-Balogun assured that adequate security has been provided for all passengers’ vehicles parked at the spacious Car Park facilities of the terminals, maintaining that the repositioned LAGFERRY has experienced and well-trained captains, deckhands, engineers and safety officers.
“All passengers are assured of a good, comfortable and secure journey in strict adherence to all safety regulations, including the COVID-19 safety protocols such as the compulsory wearing of Life Jackets, washing of hands with soap and running water, use of hand sanitisers, temperature check at the Terminals and Jetties, maintaining physical distancing, compulsory use of facemasks, disinfecting the boats after each trip and operating within regulated hours”, the Managing Director stated.
