The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has begun the annual clearing and removal of water hyacinth across the state’s jetties and terminals.
Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of LASWA, stated this in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.
According to Emmanuel, pegging and clearing of water hyacinth had begun in areas with a high infestation and impact on navigation.
LASWA, along with other state MDAs and federal agencies, was collaborating in the effort and had mobilized an adequate labor force and machinery to begin clearing the tenacious weed.
The first phase of the project, according to the General Manager, was pegging down the water hyacinth to limit its movement and infestation across ferry channels.
This would be followed by proper aquatic weed removal using both manual labor and weed harvesting machines.
He claimed that the effort would reduce the damage to boat engines caused by the floating aquatic plant and eliminate travel delays.
It would also promote water transportation as a viable, safe, quick, and secure alternative.
Emmanuel reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to improving inland waterway safety standards and procedures.
He advised boat captains to exercise extreme caution at all times, while enlisting the full cooperation of all stakeholders.