The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said it recently averted lucking accidents on the Lagos Inland waterways by swiftly removing a dangerously installed dredging pipe.
Stating that the poorly installed pipe, which was left behind by a dredging company, was discovered early Tuesday, the agency noted that it posed a significant threat to ferry operators and waterway users along the powerline en route Ikorodu, Lagos.
LASWA said the pipe obstructed the movement of two passenger ferries and damaged the hull parts of the boats, thereby creating a potential hazard for waterways users.
“Upon receiving reports of the obstruction, LASWA’s patrol team immediately conducted an on-site inspection and eliminated the risk by installing marker buoys to show the safe path to navigate,” according to a statement by the agency.
It added that its swiftness in demarcating the danger area and installing marker buoys prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident.
LASWA urged all dredging companies and marine operators to adhere strictly to safety and environmental regulations to forestall reoccurrences.
The agency further called on stakeholders, including dredging companies, boat operators and waterfront communities, to collaborate in maintaining safe and navigable waterways.
