NIWA Receives 2 New Jetties From Ecological Fund Office

• Harps on safety of waterways transportation

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has received two new Jetties built
by the Ecological Fund Office (EFO), in Lagos.

The Jetties were officially commissioned and handed over to NIWA yesterday, in a brief but colourful ceremony witnessed by stakeholders, waterways operators, the community and Journalists.

The Jetties are part of Ecological Fund project intervention handed over to enhance infrastructure provision for safety and efficient waterways transportation in Lagos State.

In her welcome speech,
the Permanent Secretary of EFO, Dr. Habiba Lawal represented by Mr. Yusuf Addy, said :
“The risk of shoreline erosion and its negative consequences necessitated the prompt intervention of the Federal Government in effecting a holistic approach to the control of flooding that would stand the test of time, and address issue of shoreline erosion menace caused by high ocean current

“It is our conviction that this project interventon will provide succor to the communities whose lives and properties were in danger.

“I am glad to inform this August gathenng that EFO entrenched a new tradition of organising in collaboration with the host Community a befiting ceremony for the commissioning and handing over of its project; this singular act will serve a dual purpose of taking ownership of the project and ensuring its sustainability. I have no doubt that NIWA
and indeed the commuters will ensure that the jetties and terminal building works are guarded jealously.”

In his keynote address, Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamo, informed :
” This interventon project was executed for the benefit of NIWA in Lagos.
The present administration swiftly approved in the fourth quarter of 2018 the request because of its strategic importance, especially in the area of addressing the menace of pollution and siltation which had been major problems hampering water transportation in some of the ferry routes in Lagos.

” It was estimated that an average of six million commuters transit from Lagos mainland to Lagos island daily, which equally takes travel of about three hours, whereas, ferry transportation through the Inland Waterways will take 30
minutes to reach the destination. These means of tansportation will equally take off about two million commuters from the Lagos gndlock.

NIWA identfied the CMS – MILE – 2 as the busiest route of ferry services, but mentioned high flooding along the river banks, as well as siltation along the ferry channel as challenges. These challenges have negatively affected ferry services and the shallow channels made service operators to avoid these ferry routes. The dream however is to resuscitate, upgrade existing jetties and make the ferry route operational through removal of silt and solid wastes along the ferry channels, which of course is in line with international best practice.

” Government Intervention on the construction of jetties brought about huge relief from the fear of erosion and other ecological challenges in the area.

” I feel honoured with this invitation as the Special Guest, not only because the project is dear to the people of Lagos state, but because it is in keeping faith with the present administration’s promise that no part of the country will suffer any neglect, owing to its geographical location or political consideration. The completon of this project has further demonstrated Mr. President’s commitment to addressing problems confronting various communities across the country.

“I wish to use this medium to deeply appreciate the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; the Ecological Fund Office; the project Contractor, Messrs. Ccifez Nigeria Limited, as well as the Project Consultant, Messrs. Optumal Design Associates for their doggedness in ensuring timely and speedy completion of the project. I must also not fail to extend the appreciation of the Federal Government to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. (Mrs.) Sarat Braimoh and the entire people of Lagos State for their cooperation and support during the project execution. I therefore implore the State Government and NIWA to cherish this laudable project and to protect it from any abuse.
It is the responsibility of the Authority to own and maintain the project, to ensure its sustainability.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NIWA, Dr. George Muoghalu, said that though the project may have been taken over by NIWA, the local community remains the beneficiary.

He advised the local community to see the project as their own and secure it well.

According to him, “The government has shown sufficient concern by funding the project to its completion.”

In the same vein, representative of Lagos State government, Engr. Gabriel Adegbite, stressed that Waterways transportation is a project very dear to the Governor of Lagos, as such, the State government wants to work with NIWA and the Federal Government.