NIWA takes proactive step, deploys machines to clear water hyacinth in Lagos waterways

“The best is to proactively clear them even though the weeds have the capacity to rebound, but we are ready to sustain a safe passage for boats operation”

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Lagos in its proactive step to strategically keep Lagos waterways free from encumbrances and ensure boat operators and passengers experience safe navigation this yuletide has embarked on clearing of pervasive water Hyacinth vegetation obstructing navigable water channels.

The ongoing project which aimed to remove the resurging water hyacinth vegetation will cover the critical lagos channels with high boat traffic starting with Omu creeks and Ikorodu water channels.

The report stated that already, Omu creeks have been cleared while the Ikorodu channels will take at least a week of intense clearance activities, including waste removal and disposal of the troublesome sea weeds that clogs navigable water channels.

Speaking, Engineer Sarat Braimah, lagos Area Manager of NIWA assured that the step is part of the agency’s key operational responsibilities and mandate to ensure smooth and safe sailing by boat operators and other stakeholders preparatory to the yultide season when traffic on the waterway is expected to be high.

” We want to do what is right as we approach the Christmas holiday season with expected increase in boat transport activities. Incidentally, the season also heralds the return of water hyacinth around our waterways in lagos, so the best is to proactively clear them even though the weeds have the capacity to rebound, but we are ready to sustain a safe passage for boats operations during and even after the yultide ” she further explained.

The proactive area manager revealed that the project will extend to Badagry and Apapa water channels, noting that the Ikorodu water channel is most critical for now as the weeds births its way to other parts of lagos littoral communities from this location.

Braimah added, “We are working round the clock to ensure this effort is sustained during this period and also the deployment of our River marshals to help keep eyes on boating operations during this period. It’s an expensive project and very demanding, but we are equal to the task as our staff are out there daily to ensure we deliver.”