The Lagos State Government has announced plans to construct additional monitoring command and control centres in order to create a safer environment for residents.
Speaking during a tour of the Lagos State Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Centre (WMDMC), State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated the government’s commitment to implementing sustainable strategies for water transportation.
The WMDMC Control Room, established by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) three years ago, serves as a pivotal hub for managing movement on the waterways.
General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, outlined the functions of the control room, which include a Command-and-Control system, Vessel Tracking System, Radio and Video Communication Network, and Tidal Gauge Monitoring System.
Currently, the control room oversees activities at four key jetty locations: Ikorodu, Ebute Ero, Liverpool, and Falomo. Plans are underway to expand monitoring to five additional locations to further enhance safety measures.
To assess real-time safety measures, a delegation including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, LASWA boat operators, and Caverton Marine delegates embarked on a boat ride to inspect the Badore Ferry Terminal.
During the journey, Mr. Musa highlighted the economic benefits of patronizing local boat builders, which has resulted in cost savings for the state government.
At the boat yard, Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore, Olabode Makanjuola, reaffirmed the commitment to international standards in boat construction.
Approximately 15 newly built boats are slated to be launched into the inland waterways, further enhancing safety and reliability.
