The Lagos State Government has again called on all road users in the metropolis to embrace the use of Water Transportation in order to decongest the roads, especially at this yuletide season.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu made this appeal, while fielding questions earlier today on ‘’AWAYE”, a Yoruba Motoring programme on Radio Lagos, 107.5FM. He urged commuters to adopt water transportation to access their destinations and not depend solely on road, noting that the present Administration has committed huge resources to the development of all the modes of transportation within the State.
Whenu explained that in line with the State Government’s mandate to ease citizenry mobility through Multi-modal transportation, the first phase of the Lagos rail, that is the blue line project from Marina to Mile 2 would be completed and delivered for operations in 2022, as well as the Red line which will share the standard gauge track of the Federal Government Lagos-Ibadan to connect Oyingbo and Alagbado.
The Permanent Secretary also revealed that plans have been concluded to procure additional boats to accommodate the increased ridership recorded by the State Ferry Services while assuring that operational safety guidelines on the waterways is mandatory.
On the issue of Traffic Management, Whenu explained that the additional 1000 trained LASTMA Officers absorbed by the State Government to further ease the flow of traffic has impacted positively on reduction of traffic congestion within the metropolis, adding that their operational time has also increased from 8.00pm to 10.00pm.
For the Festive period which has drawn near, the Permanent Secretary emphasised the need for motorists to observe the traffic rules and regulations for safety of lives and property. He further advised all drivers to avoid over speeding, drinking and driving, driving against traffic, thuggery, violence and other traffic laws violation to avoid sanctions and penalties.
Whenu while assuring the citizenry of the State Government commitment to development of efficient transport system in the State urged motorist to consider the option of car pooling, by pairing up with partners of same location to reduce numbers of vehicles on the roads, adding that the State’s high capacity buses are also available for Public use.
Advising motorists to adhere strictly to Covid-19 protocols and safety guidelines especially at this yuletide season, the Permanent Secretary urged residents to support the State Government to achieve the much desired progress in the Transportation Sector.
