The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on Monday said it had employed both manual labour and machines to combat water hyacinth on waterways as part of efforts to enhance safety.
The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Damilola Emmanuel, said in Lagos that the step was part of an aggressive strategy to clear the waterways of the weed.
Emmanuel said that the authority was not relenting in its efforts to combat water hyacinth currently impeding commercial activities of boat operators and other waterways users.
He spoke against the backdrop of a video making the round on water hyacinth impeding the movement of commercial boat operators in Ipakodo Terminal in Ikorodu area.
According to him, the state is presently in season of water hyacinth, assuring the people that plans are already in top gear to combat it headlong.
Emmanuel said: “LASWA has engaged manual labour in addition to water hyacinth machines to combat the menace and free the waterways from strategic locations.
“It’s the water hyacinth season once again and the Lagos State Government is constantly combating this menace as it impedes commercial activities of boat operators and other waterways users.
“This year the state government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority is pegging the waterways to combat this menace.
“The first phase of pegging has commenced at strategic locations to forestall the movement of water hyacinth to other areas.”
The LASWA boss, however, assured residents of the state government’s commitment to ensuring safety on waterways at all times.
He added that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration had already concluded plans to scale up water transportation and maximise its potential as a viable alternative means of commuting in the state.
