The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has stated that it has deployed 40 feet floating jetties to bring water transportation closer to commuters during the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State for repairs.
This disclosure was made public by the NIWA’s Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braimah in Lagos.
According to Braimah, this is a strategic response throughout the six months partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for repairs.
She said the floating jetties would complement the kick off of four new water transportation routes at Adekunle under the Third Mainland Bridge outward Oworoshoki from Yaba; Lekki Phase one by NIWA Police Post; Oyingbo; and Oworoshonki in-bound Island.
“Two of the four new routes, at Adekunle (Yaba) and Lekki Phase one were opened for immediate operation on Friday, while Oworoshonki and Oyingbo will be put to use after minor dredging of the waterfront ambiance,”
The Area Manager said the strategy was subject to review throughout the duration of the repairs.
Braimah further explained that it was meant to bring succour to over 33,000 commuters, who ply the bridge in and out of the Island to work and other businesses.
According to Braimah;
“This alternate transportation services will help reduce traffic flow, save users stress, loss of valuable man hour, ease vehicular movement of goods and services in and out of the Island, not foreclosing the health benefits of using water transportation,”
The area manager said the intervention by NIWA was well thought out as the effort would bring water transportation services closer to Lagos communities.
According to Braimah: “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.
“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 said: “We are collaborating with the Lagos chapter of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters (ATBOWATON) and their chairman, Mr Lawal Saheed, has assured us of a hundred per cent buy-in on this project.
“All categories of water transportation services will be monitored to avoid any mishap or sharp practices.
“We are determined to make it work, in spite of lean resources at a time like this, and we expect Lagosians to embrace the effort.”
