LASWA, BOAT OPERATORS STRATEGISE FOR MORE EFFICIENT WATER TRANSPORT

LAGOS State Waterways Authority (LASWA), last week, met with boat operators in Lagos to fashion out ways on how to bring about a more efficient mode of water transportation system in the state.

Presiding over the meeting LASWA's Director of Operations Engr Segun Adekoya told the operators to work close with the agency so as to resolve problems as they arise.

Adekoya however called on the operators to form a stakeholders forum with other relevant agencies with a view to finding solution to common problems.

He explained that until a stakeholders' forum is formed operators will keep crying wolf without making any head way.

He however assured the operators that LASWA will do all it can to ensure that a conducive and safe water ways are created to boost the sector.

'The forum will provide a cooperative regional framework for planning, implementing and promoting improvements to the operation of ferry services on the waterways of Lagos State.

'The current initiative for a Lagos Ferry Operators Forumwas established because Lagos State Waterways Authority and members of the forum felt that water transportation could, and should, play an important role in the regional transportation network of Lagos State

'The forum will explore ferry transportation issues as well as promote improvements to safety in the operation of ferry services on the waterways through presentations and discussions among attendees and participants in  the forum.

Speaking earlier, LASWA's Managing Director Mr Yinka Marinho said that the State has put in place developmental plans for the waterways in Lagos. Marinho appealed to operators to make safety a cornerstone of ferry operations and that compliance to wearing life vest on the water ways is a major functions of LASWA