By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo
LAGOS — As part of measures to curb the incessant boat mishaps, Lagos State Government has concluded plans to establish an enforcement authority similar to Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, with the mandate to manage and control activities of boat operators in the state.

On the plan, Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Anofiu Elegushi, disclosed this at the weekend during a Stakeholders’ forum organised by the state Ministry of Transportation on the proposed transformation of the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS Bus Terminal into world class.

Mobereola added that the government through the State Waterways Authority, LASWA has identified 14 routes on the waterways that would be dredged and channelized to avert future boat mishaps in the state.

The commissioner described their function as similar to what the State Traffic management Authority, LASTMA, was doing on the over 9, 000 roads in the state.

He stated that more ferry terminus would be constructed before the end of this year.

Mobereola explained that the aim of Governor Ambode was to strengthen the intermodal transport system, in order to commute the over 17 million residents of Lagos with ease.

He added that plans had commenced to operate a 24-hour transport system, noting, “This was part of the reasons we decided to transform the TBS Bus Terminal to attract more tourists.”

His words, “The TBS stands for Lagos. It has become a rallying point for the residents of Lagos. It is a venue for change of government in Lagos. We are just going to make the place an ultra-modern terminal for the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT buses, taxi operators and passengers, to be completed by December.

“What we want to do is to protect everyone (passengers and the transporters) during the rainy and hot seasons. Also, Closed Circuit Television, CCTV cameras would be deployed to detect anyone who may intend to commit crime within the axis.

“Everyone will have its own section: Danfo drivers, BRT and taxi operators, so that passengers are not confused where to go. What we are doing is for the benefits of all. When it is completed, it will be enforced,” he added.

Earlier,  Elegushi said that the purpose of the project was not about displacing the operators.

“We are ready to receive your inputs, comments and advice. Our intention is to re-arrange. It is not an intention to take over your operations, but we need your support to move the state forward,” he said.