The Lagos State Waterways Authority is to boost inland waterways transport with the introduction of more than 70 electric ferries, jetties upgrade and dredging.

The general manager of LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, gave the assurance in an interview with journalists in Lagos on Sunday.

He said that the boost would come through a foreign investment project called the ‘Omi Eko Project.’

According to Mr Emmanuel, the project will bring about influx of electric ferries, an upgrade of the current 25 jetties and terminals, and the dredging of 140 km of waterways.

He added that there would be capacity building for LASWA officials and funding for the informal sector operators who would apply to run the boats.

He stated, “As we all know, there has been a significant investment in road transportation; we have seen a lot of buses coming in and the rail taking off as well. This brings about a standard structure. The state government has some of these infrastructures, but we want to make them widespread because they are not enough.

“The infrastructure I am referring to is the jetties and terminals. The state government has a lot of them but we want to make them standard across the board and also increase the number to make more impacts. The state government is looking at transportation in terms of an integrated transportation system, which is rail, water and road. Road and rail are picking up; so, water will not be left behind.’’

He expressed hope that the significant investment would enable LASWA to boost the infrastructure needed for efficient waterway transport.

On the activities of LASWA in the last six months, he said that safety had been paramount to the agency.

He noted that within the period, the agency improved waterway transport and introduced locally-made boats, which were inaugurated about a month ago.

“This is building local content, which is the first of its kind in the country. Very soon, we will commence the process of concessioning to operators who will manage the boats,” he said.

Mr Emmanuel said that in 2024, LASWA will get ISO certification, expressing the hope that it will help to improve the standard of operations generally.

The LASWA boss said that the agency would continue to synergize with other agencies, such as the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Lagos State Ambulance Service, to ensure safe and secure waterways.

“We are also working with the marine police and navy to ensure waterway safety,” he said.

Mr Emmanuel said that LASWA was no longer involved in granting licences to ferry operators, adding that it was aimed at eliminating double taxation for the operators.

According to him, for the remaining part of the year, LASWA will be involved in the full launch of the Omi Eko project and continue to keep waterways safe and secure.

 (NAN)