Tackling water hyacinth to unleash Lagos economic potential
With declining revenues from the federation account to states, coupled with the impact of the economic recession, government at different levels are looking inward to grow and strengthen their areas of potential.
Lagos, a city surrounded by large water bodies, provides opportunity for tourism and water transportation. Findings from the Lagos State Water Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) show that there are about 25 water routes and virtually every part of the state, from Ikorodu to Epe, Badagry to Lagos Island, Apapa to Alimosho, can be connected through water.
Over the years, however, this potential has not been fully tapped due to many inhibiting challenges, one of which is the menace of water hyacinth.
Water hyacinth, a menacing plant, clogs waterways, making boating, fishing and almost all other water activities impossible. Water flow through water hyacinth mats is greatly diminished. The acre of water hyacinth can weigh more than 200 tons and infestations can be many acres in size.
Last week, the state in a move aimed at enhancing its tourism potential and freeing the waterways, launched two modern equipment to tackle the menace.
The state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode unveiled the water hyacinth removal machines at the Ebute Ero Jetty, on Lagos Island. Ambode represented by Samuel Adejare, the commissioner for the environment, lamented the threats posed by water hyacinth to water bodies in the state, saying that for too long, the plant had constituted a menace to water safety in Lagos.
He said the machines would help to clear the waterways off water hyacinth and other debris being dumped into the Lagoon by Lagosians.
“These machines will make our waterways clean. Before now LAWMA has always been getting contractors to get rid of dirt from the waterways, but we are stopping it now. The machines will help to clean the waterways now,” he said.
Abisola Kamson, managing director, LASWA, said the idea that gave birth to the procurement of the equipment started as part of the state’s several efforts to promote and improve the mode of water transportation and to provide safe navigation to waterways users within the state.
She stated that the water hyacinth had become seasonal threat and a menace to the marine ecosystems of Lagos, particularly the Ikorodu, Ajah, Badagry, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Mile 2 and Epe axis.
“They cause mechanical problems to the propulsion system of boats, thus affecting water transportation activities and also affecting the socio-economic activities of fishermen and the inhabitants of the riverine communities negatively.
“It is a dream come true, especially as we see the ‘miracle technology’ as this water hyacinth and debris removal machines devour not only the water hyacinths, but also all other waste debris on our waterways.
“The machines act like an underwater lawn mower, it cuts the vegetation, collecting and storing the weeds and debris on board. They are fitted with a pick up conveyor at the forward end of the machine, which can be lowered up to six feet deep into the water for effective cleaning of our waterways,” she explained.
Kamson pledged that LASWA would not allow the huge investment made by government to be under-utilised and that the authority was committed to deploying these machines for effective use with the immediate clean-up of our waterways. According to Kamson, the machines now at work, it is a new dawn for boat operators and tourists interested in exploring the Lagos water bodies.
JOSHUA BASEEY