The Omi-Eko project by Lagos State Water Authority (LASWA) and the Lagos State government has the potential to transform ferry services in the state and the country by extension.
General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority, (LASWA) Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, made this remark at the
2 day International Conference in Lagos organized by Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in conjunction with Maritime Organisation of West Africa and Central Africa (MOWCA) and (INTERFERRY) an International organisation.
According to him, the transformation will facilitate increased performance, better services and upgrading of facilities and equipment of the Authority.
The General Manager said under the Omi-Eko project, LASWA is procuring 70 electric vessels and will digitalize its tracking system.
He said there would also be provisions for enhanced training for search and rescue workers and those involved in handling the vessels.
The GM said all the local governments in the state connected with waters will benefit immensely under the Omi-Eko project.
Financing of the project is being made possible by the state government and funding from EU which is sponsoring the project.
The General Manager said safety of the waterways remain a top priority by LASWA as the search and rescue team will continue to receive enough training while there are provisions for modern equipment and facilities.
Lagos state as the number one in safety among the states, he assured will maintain the position and remain a good example for others in terms of better waterways services
Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel said the authority has reduced incidents of water ways incidents by 90percent under his administration.
Partipants at the Conference applauded the Lagos State government, the General Manager and LASWA for there shinning service towards waterways services and the desire to encourage people to take advantages of water service in Lagos state and in the country.
