Lagos Goes Tough on Inland Waterways Operators

Segun Oladipupo

Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on Saturday issued a strict advisory on operations on the state’s inland waterways in a bid to contain the spread of the dreaded COVID-19.

In a statement signed by the General Manager of the agency, Damilola Emmanuel, hours of operations have been restricted from 6.00 am to 5.00pm with effect from Monday, 4th May, 2020.

According to Emmanuel, boat operators and passengers are mandated in addition to life jackets, to wear face mask at all times, sanitize with alcohol based sanitizers or wash their hands with soap under running water before and after each trip.

He advised all passengers to have their own personal lifejackets to curtail the spread of the Corona Virus.

His words, “All Boat/Ferry Operators/Companies are expected to disinfect their Boats/Ferry and Terminals regularly and continuously (for Boats/Ferry at least before and after each trip).

“All Boat/Ferry Operators/Companies are expected to have at the entrance of their respective terminals hand washing equipment with running water and alcohol based sanitizers.

“All Railings and seating areas in the terminals must be disinfected at intervals within the day by cleaners.

“All Boat/Ferry Operators are expected to have Alcohol Based Sanitizers in their Boat/Ferry for Operators and passengers.

“Terminals must not be overcrowded with passengers and commercial activities at any point in time. Social distancing is required for passengers queuing to board Boat/Ferry. NCDC recommends that at least 2m (5feet) distance is required between people.

“Operators are not allowed to over crowd/over load their Boats/Ferries at this point in time. All public Boats/ferries should be 60% capacity.

“Public Transport Operators/Company must have temperature readers to test each passenger before boarding the Boat/Ferry.

“Operators/Companies must collaborate with LAWMA for prompt waste disposal at their respective terminals”

LASWA GM further directed that operators or companies and passengers are expected to report immediately, any suspected case of COVID-19 to the Authority through a dedicated telephone line.

Emmanuel called on passengers to report any Operator/Company that does not comply with the guidelines to the Water guards at the Terminal/Jetty.

“Boat operators, passengers and other stakeholders are mandated to comply with these guidelines as the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) monitoring and enforcement team will be deployed for prompt enforcement with heavy sanctions,” he maintained.