“Cleanliness is a good thing, which the society should embrace” – Kapil Sibal
Nigerians, especially residents in Lagos (Lagosians) should learn to appreciate Kapil Sibal’s apt saying especially on the waterways.
Nigeria is blessed with an expansive coastline of about 858km and about 3000km of inland waterways. This massive natural geographic endowment led to intense activities on the waterways, a sector that has been tipped and rightfully so, as a viable alternative to quell the endless traffic gridlocks, accidents and other hazards in utilizing the roads.
However, the nation’s inland waterways have become an alternative refuse dump for waterways passengers as well as communities along the riverine and coastal areas.
The nation’s waterways are littered with refuse or all kinds, ranging from disposable plastics to leftover food items, fabrics and all sorts of anomalies. While onboard vessels, passengers can be found eating and gleefully throwing items into the water, others defecate and urinate in the water endangering the aquatic life.
MMS Plus correspondent was appalled at the volume of refuse found on the surface of Lagos waterways on Tuesday last week, noticing refuse on the surface of the waters at locations like Liverpool, Kirikiri, Marina and Apapa following the brief rainfall earlier that day.
Offenders should note that dumping refuse on the waterways could lead to boat mishaps, as it obstructs the movement of boats and clogs the boat engines.
Speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Ganiyu Tarzan, President, Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, warned residents of Lagos State against dumping refuse on waterways to avoid boat mishaps.
“Refuse deface the waterways, it causes accident and also damage boat engines. Once there is too much dirt in a particular portion on the water, it hardens the place and once a boat runs into it by mistake, such boat will capsize’’ he said.
Although Tarzan applauded the Lagos State Government Cleaner Initiative, for removing the refuse, hyacinth and wrecks on the waterways, he noted that there was still so much to be done by the authorities.
“The government has improved in its responsibility in ensuring a smooth and easy flow/movement of boat on the waterways. The surface of waterways across the state is relatively neat and tidy now while some areas are still looking dirty but it can be better” he said.
While the state government should intensify efforts to acquire more machines needed to clear the waterways in this rainy season, efforts should also be channeled towards sensitizing the public against emptying dirt into the waterways. Littering the waterways with bottles, wrappers, faeces and urine should be a thing of the past.
