Third Mainland Bridge repair: Lagferry sensitises residents on water transport

The Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) has sensitised Lagos residents to embrace water transportation as a means of decongesting the roads and a cheaper alternative.

The Managing Director, LAGFERRY, Mr Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, said this in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.

Ladi-Balogun said they held a stakeholders meeting with community leaders and residents on Tuesday at the Love Lagos Jetty, Bariga /Ilaje Waterfront.

He pleaded with the Bariga community to take charge of the Love Lagos Jetty to ensure a smooth and easy mode of transportation.

Ladi-Balogun stated that the Agency chose to hold the sensitisation meeting before the six months closure of the Third-Mainland Bridge for repairs.

“As the State government is paying priority to rehabilitate the Third-Mainland Bridge, it will be expedient at this moment for the people to make use of the waterways, especially when commuting to Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Badagry.

LAGFERRY boats are readily available at the Love Jetty here in Ilaje-Bariga with adequate car park facilities. They are safe, comfortable, timely and efficient,” he said.

He noted that over 24 routes had been created within Lagos Waterways and  emphasised that it was a faster and safer means of transportation, over road.

“In every area of the operations of LAGFERRY, with our fleet of 20, first by any sub-nation, safety is paramount.

“With compulsory wearing of life jackets, regular maintenance of our boats, safety is actually the first factor we consider in everything we do.

“Part of the safety measures also include personal accident insurance package. For every passenger coming on board LAGFERRY boats, on every trip and every route we currently ply, all passengers are fully insured,” Ladi-Balogun said.

The representative of the Commissioner for Transportation, Mrs Fadekemi Emmanuel, assured residents of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s love and support.

Emmanuel said that government had achieved the integration of different modes of transportation which include road, rail, waterways and air transportation, for ease and convenience of Lagos residents.

She said that LAGFERRY had 50 per cent discount on fare, using the Lagos Cowry Card.

“So, if you’re to pay N1,000, that means you’ll be charged N500,” she said.

Highlight of the event was introduction of a boat cruise tour slated for Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, tagged “Sail the Love Lagos Water Experience”, which is expected to take off from Bariga Waterfront Jetty and terminate at Takwa Bay Island beach.