YULETIDE: LASG Tasks Road Users To Embrace Water Transportation

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 during this yuletide season.

 

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu made the appeal while answering questions on “AWAYE”, a Yoruba Motoring programme on Radio Lagos, 107.5FM.

 

He also revealed that plans have been concluded to procure additional boats to accommodate the increased ridership recorded by the State Ferry Services, assuring that operational safety guidelines on the waterways are mandatory.

 

He urged commuters to adopt water transportation to access their destinations and not depend solely on roads, 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 citizens’ mobility through a multi-modal transportation system, the first phase of 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’s Lagos-Ibadan route to connect Oyingbo and Alagbado.

 

 

 

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 the reduction of traffic congestion within the metropolis, adding that their operational time has also been extended from 8.00pm to 10.00pm.

 

For the forthcoming festive period, the Permanent Secretary emphasised the need for motorists to observe the traffic rules and regulations for safety of lives and property, advising all drivers to avoid overspeeding, drinking and driving, driving against traffic, thuggery, violence and violation of other traffic laws in order to avoid sanctions and penalties.

 

Assuring the citizenry of the State Government’s commitment to the development of an efficient transport system in the State, Whenu urged motorists to consider the option of carpooling, by pairing up with partners of the same location to reduce numbers of vehicles on the roads, adding that the State’s high capacity buses are also available for public use.

 

He warned motorists to adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols and safety guidelines, especially at this yuletide season, urging residents to support government efforts to achieve the much-desired progress in the transportation sector.