The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), on Thursday, commenced the annual exercise of clearing and removal of water hyacinths across jetties, terminals and routes on the State inland waterways.

A statement signed by Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager Lagos State Waterways Authority, said the pegging and clearing of the water hyacinths commenced simultaneously at three different locations, namely Ikorodu, Badore and Badagry with a view to extending the exercise to other areas.

The General Manager explained that Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu had approved the clearing of all impediments hampering smooth navigation on waterways in order to ensure free flow of traffic.

Emmanuel said the Agency has, therefore, mobilised the required labour force and machinery to the project sites, adding that the first phase will involve the pegging down of water hyacinths to curtail infestation across ferry channels, followed by an eventual clearing of the aquatic weed using both manual labour and weed harvesting machines.

“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage of Boat Engines caused by the stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast and secure”, Emmanuel stated.

Reiterating the State Government’s commitment towards improving safety standards and procedures on the inland waterways to guarantee the safety of users, the General Manager advised boat captains to always pilot with caution to ensure safety, especially during the current season.