From Lagos
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on Thursday, commencesy the annual clearing and removing of water hyacinth across Jetties, terminals, and routes on the state inland waterways.
The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos, that the Authority began the clearing of the hyacinth on, Oct 28.
Emmanuel said that Pegging and clearing of the Water Hyacinth had commenced simultaneously at three different locations; Ikorodu, Badore and Badagry, while clearing would be extended to other zones in due time.
” Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has graciously approved the clearing of all impediment to smooth navigation, including the Water Hyacinth (a highly problematic invasive species) obstructing the free flow of traffic on the State inland waterways.
“Therefore, the Agency has mobilized the required Labour force and machinery to the project sites to commence immediately.
” The first phase of the project is pegging down the water hyacinth to curtail its movement and infestation across ferry channels, followed by an eventual clearing of the aquatic weed using both manual Labour and weed harvesting machines.
“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage of Boat engines caused by stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast and secure,” Emmanuel said.
The LASWA boss said that Water Hyacinth was a floating aquatic plant of tropical Lakes and Rivers that grew prolifically on the Lagos Lagoon, hindering Boats and Ferries’ movement, especially during the harmattan period.
He reiterated the state government’s committed toward improving safety standards and procedures of the state inland waterways, to guarantee the safety of all Waterways users.
Emmanuel, however, advised Boat Captains to always drive with caution while soliciting maximum cooperation of all stakeholders to achieve clean, safe, and prosperous Waterways.
