LASWA begins clearance of water hyacinth from waterways

By GODWIN ORITSE
LAGOS—Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, has commenced the removal of water hyacinth from its waterways with a view to releasing boats that were trapped by weeds and create safe navigation in the state.

It will be recalled that ferry services were recently halted, as trapped boats could not move thereby leaving commuters stranded.

Speaking to Vanguard on effort by the authority to ensure smooth movement of people  through the waterways, LASWA’s Director of Operations, Engr Segun Adekoya, said that men and materials had been moved to the Ikorodu axis of the state, adding that the clearance of the weeds had led to the resumption of  services by the boat owners.

He said that LASWA had to move in because the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, whom the government had contacted to clear the debris could not do it.

Adekoya explained that what the authority was doing was an emergency measure to allow boat operators access the waterways and convey passengers to their places of work.

He said that there were seven entry points into Lagos through the waters, adding that the authority was currently working to ensure that these points were monitored so the menace of the weeds can be minimise.

Speaking in similar vein, the contractor engaged to clear the weeds, Engr Pius Okutade, said that about 200 men and six water crafts, had been deployed to the site and promised to complete the work before the end of the month.

It will be recalled that ferry services were recently halted, as trapped boats could not move thereby leaving commuters stranded.

Speaking to Vanguard on effort by the authority to ensure smooth movement of people  through the waterways, LASWA’s Director of Operations, Engr Segun Adekoya, said that men and materials had been moved to the Ikorodu axis of the state, adding that the clearance of the weeds had led to the resumption of  services by the boat owners.

He said that LASWA had to move in because the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, whom the government had contacted to clear the debris could not do it.

Adekoya explained that what the authority was doing was an emergency measure to allow boat operators access the waterways and convey passengers to their places of work.

He said that there were seven entry points into Lagos through the waters, adding the authority was currently working to ensure that these points were monitored so the menace of these weeds can be minimize.

Speaking in similar vein, the contractor engaged to clear the weeds, Engr Pius Okutade, said that about 200 men and six water crafts, had been deployed to the site and promised to complete the work before the end of the month.