• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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LAWMA clears waterways for safer navigation

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Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it is stepping effort at clearing the Lagos waterways of wastes so as to allow for safer navigation of boats and passengers onboard them.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the managing director of the agency stated this while receiving a fleet of six boats, donated by Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), to support the operations of the marine waste unit of the LAWMA, as part of the group’s Waterways Clean-up Project.

Gbadegesin said the marine waste unit of agency since establishment, had been working to ensure that shorelines and waterways in the state, were free of waste and water hyacinth, and to prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse by members of the public.

“We’re totally committed to protecting the aquatic splendor of Lagos State by sustaining refuse/litter-free shorelines, through effective waste collection and policing while providing economic activities for riverine dwellers, by gainfully engaging them in marine waste collection and policing activities”.

The LAWMA boss emphasised the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, to promote a cleaner and healthier environment, adding that the goal of the authority, was to have sparkling clean waterways in the state. He said there were plans to recycle water hyacinth retrieved during marine waste operations.

On her part, Aderonke Odeneye the permanent secretary in the state ministry of the environment and water resources, represented by Collins Oluyomi, said the collaboration came at the right time, as it would further strengthen government’s effort at establishing environmental sustainability, especially through the Blue Box initiative.

She further stated that marine waste operations would help reduce waste and litters on waterways, urging all hands to be on deck to preserve coastal resources and the environment, from dangers inherent in indiscriminate waste disposal.

The general manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, expressed delight at the waterways clean-up project.

The technical lead of Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA),

Amaka Onyemelukwe, said their passion to enthrone cleaner waterways for safer transportation, informed their decision to embark on the project, with the signing of a 3-year MOU with the Lagos State government to sanitise waterways in the state.

JOSHUA BASSEY