Governor Babajide Sanwo-Oluof Lagos State has reiterated his promise to tackle traffic congestion on Lagos roads by investing in water transport as he commissioned seven high capacity boats in the State.
Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, commissioned seven boats, which were added to the Lagos Ferry Services fleet at the Five Cowries Terminal, Ikoyi, some additional jetties, as well as launched the new cowry card for water transport.
Ably represented by his Deputy, Dr Kadri Hamzat, Sanwo-Olum in his speech, revealed that the seven boats were built locally and their procurement is a fulfillment of his promise on roads traffic decongestion. “The procurement of these new high capacity boats is a fulfillment of our promise to increase the capacity of LAGFERRY to transport more Lagosians in order to reduce traffic congestion on our roads”, he said. Read also: Buhari Didn’t Attend COAS’ Burial Because Of Traffic – Garba Shehu
Launching the cowry card payment method, the Governor noted that it is to create a seamless payment scheme for the State’s multimodal transport line. “We are also launching the Cowry card for water transport to create a seamless payment scheme for our multimodal transportation system, which is gradually taking shape as we have commenced the integration of our rail lines, bus terminals and waterways”, he explained.He further disclosed that in the last one year, LAGFERRY has moved over 500,000 passengers across the waterways, including the Super Eagles who were successfully ferried to and from Benin Republic for African Cup of Nations qualifying match, a feat which the Management of the agency said has recorded no accident. “In addition to commuting people, LAGFERRY promotes tourism and commerce by providing logistics solutions to business owners who move their trucks and cargoes through the waterways within Apapa and through regular charter services”, he said. Read also:Â Lagos Unveils Ultra Speed Ferry Engines To Boost Operations
Promising Lagosians their safety, Sanwo-Olu said his administration would prioritise safety on waterways by ensuring total compliance with safety protocols and regulations by boat operators. He then urged the people to embrace water transportation saying “people have nothing to fear when they board our ferries, it remains the fastest, most reliable and safest means of transportation within the State”. The Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Mr Abdoulbaq Balogun said the seven new boats brings the total number of boats to 20 running concurrent commercial operations. Backing Governor Sanwo-Olu’s claims, he added that the agency had to date successfully moved over 41,040 trucks from its terminal, while over 2,308 cleared goods containers have been received from the port and over 941 containers transported back to the port. Read also:Â So Sad! Triplets, 23 Church Youths Drown In River Benue Boat Mishap
“We boast of an impressive safety record as we can proudly tell you that we have never recorded any accident since the agency started commercial operations on February 6, 2020″, he said. Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has hinted Lagosians that nothing goes for nothing and at such, they should be ready to pay more income tax.
Sanwo-Olu Commissions 7 High Capacity Boats To Tackle Traffic Congestion In The State
TRENDING VIDEO OF THE DAY: BBNaija Reunion: Tolani Baj and Vee Fight Dirty
Photos Credit: Alausa Alert/Sun News
He further disclosed that in the last one year, LAGFERRY has moved over 500,000 passengers across the waterways, including the Super Eagles who were successfully ferried to and from Benin Republic for African Cup of Nations qualifying match, a feat which the Management of the agency said has recorded no accident. “In addition to commuting people, LAGFERRY promotes tourism and commerce by providing logistics solutions to business owners who move their trucks and cargoes through the waterways within Apapa and through regular charter services”, he said.
