*Commissions water hyacinth, debris removal machines
Lagos State Government has commenced
the clean-up exercise of lagoon and waterways with the launch of two
water hyacinth and debris removal machines aimed at ensuring safe
navigation as well as boost waterways operation within the state.
In a similar development, Lagos State
Government, through the State Waterways Authority, LASWA, at Elegushi
Palace, Lekki area of the state donated 25 life jackets to
representatives of Fishermen Association in the state, as part of
measures to boost safety on waterways during operation.
Ambode, while commissioning the newly
acquired water hyacinth equipment yesterday, at Ebute Ero Jetty,
Lagos Island, said it was part of measures to promote and improve the
mode of transportation, as well as transform the state's waterways
into world class standard.
The Governor, who was represented by
the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said,
“The water hyacinth (aquatic weed) is a seasonal threat which has
become a menace to the marine ecosystems of Lagos State.
“The symbolic gesture is jump stating
cleanup of our waterways and preparing ground for other revolutionary
activities programmed in the state waterways Development Plan.
“We have bought the machines to take
away debris and hyacinth from the Lagoon. The machines will encourage
water transportation and this initiative is necessary now that we are
working towards clean-up of the waterways.
"It will also encourage fishery so
that the water economy will be improved upon," Ambode said.
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Managing Director LASWA, Engr. Abisola
Kamson, said the commissioning was a dream come true as the machines
would go a long way in eradicating the menace of water hyacinth on
marine ecosystems of the State, particularly the Ikorudu. Ajah, Epe,
Badagery Mile 2, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, axis.
She said aside negatively affecting the
socio-economic activities of fishermen and inhabitants of the
riverine communities, water hyacinth, which is a seasonal threat, had
brought about damages to propulsion system of boats thus affecting
water transportation.
Kamson explained that the machine acts
like an underwater lawn mower and cuts the vegetation, as well as
collects and store weeds and debris, while it is fitted with a pick
up conveyor at the forward end which can be lowered up to six feet
deep into the water for effective cleaning of the waterways.
Besides, Kamson said arrangement had
been concluded with the Ministry of Environment to increase
monitoring activities with the view to ensuring that those who
disrespect the waterways through dumping of waste, pollution,
defecation and other illegal activities are made to face the full
wrath of the law.
Presenting the life jackets, Secretary
to LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, explained that the gesture was
geared towards addressing the risk of loss of life during mishaps and
to enhance operation of the fishermen.
Five life jackets, donated by one of
the oil companies in the country, were distributed to each of the
representatives in the five divisions of the state. They include:
Mainland, Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu and Epe.
Emmanuel said: “The aim for the
gesture is a practical demonstration of the present administration
led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode responsiveness to the safety of
residents and also in response to the demand of fishermen. At a forum
in Epe, they complained of safety issues and LASWA is all about
safety.
“It is also to encourage them in
carrying-out their operation without any hindrance. The main benefit
is for safety to be guaranteed on our water ways.”
In his remarks, Alhaji Tola Daudu,
Chairman, Lagos State Fishermen Association, commended the gesture of
the state government but called for more assistance in the area of
fishing implements.
He said, “Most of the fish in Lagos
are supplied by our association and in this period of recession, all
the implements for fishing have gone up such as; fishing nets,
outboard engines, hooks, among others.
“Before now, the state government
used to buy all these implements and gave to us on subsidized rate
and we pay back over a period of time, like 15 to 18 months.
“We want the present administration
in the state to continue on this programme, it will go a long way in
assisting us on our job as fishermen.
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