The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), has embarked on the reform of its inland waterways for effective operations and safety of the users, especially, the ferry and boat operators.

Speaking at the Press Briefing heralding the stakeholders’ meeting slated for today, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Ms. Abisola Kamson, an engineer, said the reform became imperative in view of the interest the residents have developed on water-based transportation system.

According to Kamson, in the recent months, close to 2 million passengers were recorded, while more jetties are to be licensed to expand the commercial operations.

“To this end, a stakeholders’ meeting is holding tomorrow, May 3, 2016, where the operators, boat owners, ferry operators and others would be sensitised on what is expected of them. In essence, we want to deliberate on the necessary regulations, especially, as regarding the safety of passengers and to secure the cooperation of all and sundry.”

She also stated that to forestall the activities of criminals that use waterways to commit havocs, illegal routes are shut down, while licensed designation are approved. This, she said, would make it easier for security agencies to monitor the operations and deal with illegal or criminals who want to use waterways for their nefarious activities.

Besides, just like road transportation where routes are delineated for different vehicles, waterways are also to be delineated, by which the commercial boat operators, tug operators, fishermen and sand diggers would have their routes marked out. “This would not only ensure safety, but would also enhance their operations”, said Kamson.