Wale Jagun
Lagos State Government, on Tuesday (yesterday) said that it has made unprecedented investment to boost water transportation in the state, thereby increasing traffic on waterways.
Government also said that 28 out the 60 identified traffic gridlock points have been reconfigured to improve vehicular movements and ease traffic gridlocks in the state.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, while disclosing these at the Annual Ministerial Press Briefing tagged: “731 days and beyond,” holding at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, in commemoration of the 2nd year in office of Governor Sanwo-Olu, also added that the administration has made a great stride to enhance integration between different modes of transportation.
According to the Commissioner, the Government has opened new routes for ferry operations along Bayeku-Okeiranla-Badore, Ilaje Bariga –Victoria Island–Falomo–CMS and Marina–Ebute Ero.
To fully harness the potential of Lagos waterways for transportation, Oladeinde said the State Government was evaluating proposals from prospective investors, adding that the Ministry would be delivering 15 jetties and more boats to raise the capacity of Lagos Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) to move 75,000 to 100,000 passengers daily.
“The current administration has further facilitated intermodal transportation in Lagos as LBSL collaborates with LAGFERRY to ensure seamless movement of commuters through public transportation”, he said.
“Eight new LAGFERRY boats were commissioned and added to the existing fleet, making a total of 14 boats in the fleet operation. Additional seven high-capacity boats will be added by mid-May to take the total fleet to 21″.
The Commissioner explained how the Government had effectively tackled gridlocks in key traffic-prone spots, stressing that the State had delivered critical roads and flyovers while also embarking on reconstruction of dilapidated roads and junction improvement to improve travel time for road users across the metropolis.
“Of the 60 gridlock points identified by the Government for remodeling to achieve traffic improvement, 28 have been completed by the Ministry of Transportation, while 22 will be delivered in the coming weeks. 10 gridlock points are at the concept stages”.
Other solutions being implemented, according to Oladeinde, include creation of eight holding bays in different locations across the State to get trailers off the road. This, he said, is being done in collaboration with the Nigeri Port Authority (NPA).
“We have also initiated the expansion of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Truck Park from 12 hectares to 31 hectares to increase the capacity of the holding bays and accommodate more trucks in the Apapa area,” the Commissioner said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the press briefing was part of the elaborate programme organised to elucidate activities of the Government in the last 24 months, noting that each Ministry would be rolling out its achievements within the period.
Sanwo -Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Omotoso said, will be speaking on the administration’s future.
