Lagos encourages commuters to explore water transportation

Urges residents, visitors to party responsibly at festive period

The Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, has urged residents to embrace waterways as a viable means of commuting, saying that government is committed to ensuring safety on the waterways.

In a statement, at the weekend, he said efforts aimed at making moving on waterway pleasurable was why the state government established a search and rescue unit, commissioned a state’s monitoring and data management centre, procured patrol boats and U-safe emergency devices.

Balogun, who spoke at the presentation of cheque to one of the winners of the Eko token/Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) cash reward promo that was launched to reward boat passengers and help increase waterways patronage, said that the state government would continually seek alternative transport solution that would complement rail and road transport systems.

He said the need for waterway users “to enjoy and maximise” the benefits of the use of medium informed the adoption of the reward system.

MEANWHILE, the state government has urged residents and visitors to socialise responsibly during the festive period to avoid accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, who gave the advice, yesterday, said that where alcohol is consumed, it should be done in moderation.

The DG also urged party organisers to register event above 250 guests with the Commission through its registration portal www.lasgsafetyreg.com for issuance of event safety permit.

He said: “It is also pertinent that adequate crowd control and emergency evacuation plans must be put in place for large events and concerts, while safety briefings are recommended at all events to create awareness on hazard identification and controls at intervals, particularly for large events and concerts.

“The safety briefings can be anchored by certified safety marshals who are conversant with the floor plan and layout of the facility.

“The number of guests must not exceed the occupancy limit that has been assigned to event venue or facility.”