Third Mainland bridge closure:  NIWA deploys floating jetties to ease commuter pains.

The move was in response to the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for the duration of six months repairs.

According to a release signed by Frank Meke, Media  Adviser of NIWA, the floating jetties are  to complement the flagging off  of four brand new water transportation routes located at  Adekunle, under the Third Mainland bridge outward Oworoshonki from Yaba, another at  Lekki Phase 1 by NIWA police post, Oyingbo and at  Oworoshonki, inbound the island.

“As at Friday, two of four new routes, at Adekunle (Yaba) and Lekki Phase One were opened for immediate operation while the remaining two at Oworoshonki and Oyingbo will be put to use after minor dredging of the waterfront ambiance.

“Engineer Sarat Lara Briamah, Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, disclosed that the effort which is subject to review throughout the duration of repairs on the bridge, was in response to bringing succour to over 33 thousand commuters who ply the all important link bridge in and out of the Island to work and other sundry businesses..

“This alternate transportation services certainly will help reduce traffic flow, save users of the bridge expected stress, loss of valuable man hour and also ease vehicular movement of goods and services out of the island, not foreclosing the health benefits of using water transportation” she explained while flagging off the effort on Friday in Lagos.

Braimah noted that “The intervention by NIWA was well thought out as the effort will not only bring water transportation services closer to Lagos communities but will provide the needed data for initiating a blanket floating  jetty projects across the vast Lagos inland waterways under the watch of National Inland Waterways Authority to operationalise a revolution on water transportation as a solution to the unexplainable traffic situation in Lagos.

“Our Managing Director, Dr George Moghalu mandated us in Lagos to be futuristic and proactive in the discharge of our obligations and of an inclusive response to the challenge of the partial closure of the bridge but to  also holistically chart a new agenda in opening up certain waterfront areas, deploying floating jetties not just about temporary response but as strategic plan to make every part of Lagos accessible by water and provide roads on water “she noted

On security and usage of the floating jetties, the Lagos Area Manager promised that security would be provided round the clock at the identified take-off points by NIWA police and sister security agencies while the organised boat operators in Lagos would man the daily operation at the new jetties.

“We are collaborating with the Lagos chapter of the Association Tourist Boat operators and water Transporters (ATBOWATON) and its chairman, Mr Lawal Saheed has assured of a hundred percent buy-in on this project.

Engr. Braimah explained that all categories of water transportation services would be monitored to avoid any mishap or sharp practices.

“We are determined to make it work despite lean resources at a time like this and we expect Lagosians to embrace the effort. And to make the new routes popular, we have done a lot of publicity at strategic points to motorists and other commuters who will be encouraged to park their vehicles either at home or at the designated jetty areas and take to the waters for ease of doing business even after the bridge is fully opened to capacity operations,” she stated.