The Lagos State Government (LASG) has finalised the construction of a modern floating jetty at CMS-Marina, aimed at improving the secure transportation of both residents and visitors in Lagos.
This disclosure was made by Mr. Abdoulbaq Balogun, the Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), through an official statement issued in Lagos on Monday and signed by Mr. Akeem Odusina, the Director of Public Affairs Service.
Balogun underlined the importance of the constructed CMS jetty, which functions as a strategic juncture to seamlessly integrate with the CMS-Marina Blue Line Rail System, recently introduced.
He explained that the CMS-Marina corridor stands out as a dual major junction, enabling effortless integration between Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), the Blue Line Rail Transport, and Water Transport.
It also serves as a central hub for waterways, witnessing substantial daily ridership in the thousands. This hub links numerous coastal regions, including Badore-Ajah in Eti Osa Local Government; Ipakodo, Ibeshe, Ijede in Ikorodu Local Government; and Ilaje Bariga Waterfront in Somolu/Bariga Local Government.
‘Other areas linked by the coastal areas; Liverpool, Ajegunle and TinCan Island in Apapa/Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government; Mile 2, Sabonkoji, Ilashe, Ibeshe, Ikare, Ijegun Egba in Amuwo-Odofin / Oriade Local Government; Ebute Ojo, Ijanikin / Oto-Awori / Agbara in Ojo Local Government and Apa, Topo, Iworo-Ajido, Ebute Miller Marina in Badagry Local Government.’
‘The project is in tandem with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration of which Traffic Management and Transportation is the first pillar.’
‘Government is committed to improving facilities for a safe water transportation system aimed at reduction in road traffic, provision of reliable alternative mode of transportation and improved productivity of the residents.’
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‘The new floating jetty will enable our boats to anchor easily, provide easier access to different parts of the city, boost economic activities along the Lagos waterways and make passenger disembodiment more comfortable and safer,’ Balogun said.
He said that the government was fully committed to achieving the multimodal transport system of connectivity between the road, rail and water.
Balogun highlighted that the Floating Pontoon Jetty was fashioned using materials of concrete strength and durability, positioning it as a secure and dependable option for usage in all manner of weather condition.
He went on to highlight that the Pontoon Jetty’s design enables it to navigate storms without hindrance from water resistance, thus preventing potential damage to boats caused by the unpredictable fluctuations of tides, whether they are exceptionally high or low.
Balogun underscored the fact that the floating jetty, designed to cater to the requirements of both Lagos Ferry Services and other Boat Operators, stands as a testament to its adherence to international standards of construction.
He noted that the jetty’s architecture encompasses a range of safety provisions, including a compartment for fire extinguishers, strategically placed safety lifebuoys, a fender system incorporated into the finger extensions, and a gangway to facilitate secure movement during boarding and disembarking.