The Lagos State government has said the 13 jetties being constructed in the state to add to the existing ones in a bid to boost water transportation will soon be completed.
The state’s commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Hon Yacoob Alebiosu who disclosed this at a ministerial briefing to mark the first year of the second tenure of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office said since the beginning of the current administration, water transportation has been placed on the front burner.
The commissioner pointed out that there are several communities in the state where the only means of transportation is by water transportation, adding that water transportation will also serve as an alternative to incessant traffic gridlock on Lagos roads thereby creating an efficient intermodal transportation system.
Alebiosu said, “To complement the existing jetties and create more avenues for water transportation, the construction of 13 new Jetties is currently ongoing while some are at advanced stages of completion. This is in addition to the seven jetties and terminals commissioned and handed over to LASWA for management last year.
“At completion, these jetties are expected to promote safe and easy water transportation, reduce travel time and travel distance of communities, reduce pressure on roads as well as enhance commerce and tourism. It will also improve cooperation and interactions among the riverine communities, open up reclamation opportunities for the creation of waterfront schemes and improve connectivity in the coastal areas.
“To enhance water transportation and complement the existing ferry routes, the ministry during the period under review embarked on the channelisation of the 6.8km Ikorodu route to Mende.
“The channel was identified by Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in conjunction with the Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) during the period under review. The project which was awarded in December 2023 is ongoing and will serve more communities from the Ikorodu area to Mende when completed.”
He said the ministry is currently receiving several applications from investors to partner with the state to provide more lands for investment, adding that the ministry is also processing the applications of Gold Island, King’s Kid Island, Seagulf Island and Marlot Eagle Island for the governor’s approval.
During the period under review, the ministry embarked on surveillance, monitoring and enforcement of the Lagos State waterfront to ensure safety of lives and compliance on the Waterfront corridor, prevent creation of slums, ensure eco-friendly and beautify waterfront schemes and in order to restore sanctity to the Lagos masterplan.
“Illegal reclamation works/ shoreline extensions, unsafe and non-conforming developments were sanctioned during the period under review while ‘stop work orders’ were issued with six arrests made and the perpetrators handed over for prosecution according to extant law,” he said.
