Lagos govt urges road users to embrace water transportation

The Lagos State Government has called on all road users in the metropolis to embrace and make use of water transportation in order to decongest the roads, especially during this yuletide season.

This disclosure was made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sewedo Whenu, during a programme on Radio Lagos today.

Mr. Whenu urged commuters to adopt water transportation to access their destinations and not depend solely on roads, explaining that this would help to check traffic congestion and ensure smooth flow of traffic in the metropolis.

He noted that the present administration has committed huge resources to the development of all the modes of transportation within the State and revealed that plans have been concluded to procure additional boats to accommodate the increased ridership recorded by the State Ferry Services, assuring that operational safety guidelines on the waterways are mandatory.

Whenu, however, urged Lagosians to consider the option of carpooling, by pairing up with partners of the same location to reduce numbers of vehicles on the roads, adding that the State’s high capacity buses are also available for public use and this would reduce congestion on the roads.

In his statement about the actions of the government to ensure smooth flow, he revealed that additional 1000 trained LASTMA Officers absorbed by the State Government has impacted positively on the reduction of traffic congestion within the metropolis, adding that their operational time has also been extended from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for motorists to observe the traffic rules and regulations for the safety of lives and property, advising all drivers to avoid over speeding, drinking and driving, driving against traffic, thuggery, violence and violation of other traffic laws.

He warned motorists to adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols and safety guidelines, urging residents to support government’s efforts to achieve the much-desired progress in the transportation sector.

What you should know

• The State Government has made significant progress in terms of making water transportation a thing. According to the Managing Director of the Lagos Ferry Service (LAGFERRY), Ladi Balogun, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved seven more boats and by the end of the year, LAGFERRY’s fleet will have nothing less than 20 boats taking passengers and cargo for businesses.
• However, speaking on some of the investments of the State Government to improve the transport infrastructure within the state, the Permanent Secretary said that the first phase of the Blue Line Project from Marina to Mile 2 would be completed and delivered for operations in 2022, as well as the Red Line, which will share the standard gauge track of the Lagos-Ibadan route to connect Oyingbo and Alagbado.