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In a bid to prevent the disruption of boat transportation and other waterway activities in littoral communities, the Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has deployed a task force to tackle the buildup of water hyacinth around the Ikorodu axis.
The NIWA team, equipped with heavy-duty machinery such as swamp devils, harvesters, and other relevant equipment, has begun preliminary clearing operations around Ebute Ikorodu and the Ikpakodo ferry terminal. This exercise aims to ensure that the waterways remain navigable and free from obstructions caused by the invasive aquatic weed.
According to Engr. Sarat Braimah, Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, the deployment of the task force is a proactive measure designed to guarantee the smooth movement of goods and passengers through the Ikorodu waterways, a zone that often experiences recurring infestations of water hyacinth. “We have carefully studied the pattern and spread of the water hyacinth phenomenon and have chosen to act swiftly to mitigate its impact before it causes disruption to boat and ferry operations,” she stated.
The impact of water hyacinth goes beyond transportation, as it also affects local fishing activities. Engr. Braimah emphasized that addressing the problem early is crucial, adding that the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has awarded a contract to tackle the menace of water hyacinth across the country. She further assured that she would personally monitor the progress of the operation by the contractors throughout the week.
The clearing operations are expected to have a positive impact on the community, as it will ensure the smooth movement of goods and passengers, as well as prevent the disruption of fishing activities. The NIWA team is committed to ensuring that the waterways remain navigable and free from obstructions caused by the invasive aquatic weed.
The contract awarded by the Managing Director of NIWA is part of a larger effort to tackle the menace of water hyacinth across the country. The Lagos Area Office of NIWA is taking a proactive approach to addressing the problem, and the deployment of the task force is a testament to the authority’s commitment to ensuring the smooth movement of goods and passengers through the waterways.
The NIWA team is working tirelessly to clear the water hyacinth from the Ikorodu waterways, and the exercise is expected to be completed soon. The authority is urging stakeholders to support the effort and ensure that the waterways remain navigable and free from obstructions.
The clearing of water hyacinth from the Ikorodu waterways is a significant step towards ensuring the smooth movement of goods and passengers through the waterways. The NIWA team is committed to ensuring that the waterways remain navigable and free from obstructions caused by the invasive aquatic weed, and the deployment of the task force is a testament to the authority’s commitment to achieving this goal.
