Lagos moves to revamp water transportation
In line with its commitment to facilitate an effective and efficient integrated transportation system, the Lagos state government has commenced pilot operations at its Ferry terminal at Ipakodo in Ikorodu.
With this development, there has been a turnaround renovation of the Ikorodu Terminal to upgrade the facility to a world-class, robust and accessible hub for the water transportation and other ancillary services that would engender convenience and safety, efficiency and effectiveness in water transportation experience for both the commuters and operators in the state.
The terminal, when fully operational, will primarily provide an umbrella shelter for ferry logistics with ample and safe space for operators to load and offload passengers, goods and services.
They will provide for the convenience of operators as well as the commuters, safety considerations like water ambulances and emergency rescue and water maintenance in collaboration with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
The facilities will also provide for recreation and shopping, banking, foodcourt, parking, customer services, security, and well-maintained conveniences.
A pilot operation at the terminal is essentially for boat and ferry operators and their passengers to have a feel of the facility ahead of kick-off next month.
Reacting on the development Amina Agboola, the Director of Corporate Services, Ikorodu Terminal, said, “Our role is to work with the operators to ensure that this facility is maximised to help develop and grow water transportation in Lagos. We are very keen to provide efficient, safe and world class water transport solutions in Nigeria.”
Agboola added; “Indeed, the safety of operators, commuters, our team and visitors, is a strategic priority for us. We have put in place intelligent control measures which will reduce or eliminate hazards within the terminal. These measures will also take care of delays, eliminate rush, human errors, improve connectivity and provide a better customer experience. Our Water ambulance service and rescue team are prepared to respond within the shortest time possible to any emergency situation.”
On his part, Andrew Lana, chief executive officer, Halo-Waters (Nigeria), operators of commercial water transport ( Lagos WaXi), said, “It’s a milestone in the journey of putting in place efficient inter-modal human and goods transportation system and specifically in-land water ways transportation by the Lagos state through the provision of infrastructure and enabling environment that engender continuous private sector investments in the sector.
The users of the terminal shall experience world class customer service, given the facilities and services promised by the operators of the terminal and commercial boats.
“As an operator, we are excited that finally, outbound and inbound passengers can experience convenient, safe and reliable water transport service in Ikorodu”, he added.
MIKE OCHONMA