The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) says it is working with the marine police and the Nigerian Navy to curb insecurity on Lagos waterways.

Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, general manager of LASWA, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

According to Mr Emmanuel, beyond the marine police and the navy, LASWA has its command and control centre to monitor the waterways adequately.

He spoke against the backdrop of reported cases of crime and criminality along the state’s waterways.

“On issues of banditry, piracy and other crimes along the waterways, we have the numbers, but how many people did we hear that were kidnapped last year around the Lagos inland waterways?

“It does not mean that Lagos is not proactive; we are actually proactive regarding security on the waterways, and that is why we are collaborating with marine police and the Navy in that regard,” he said.

Regarding the security of the newly inaugurated Omnibus, the general manager noted that the boats would be handed over to private operators, who would be in charge of their security.

“In terms of the safety of these boats, in the last year, I can barely say with the count of my fingers if we have heard of theft of either parts or boats on our waterways. This has been the trend in the last few years.

“Also, any operator to whom the boats are handed over knows what it entails because they will sign an agreement and be held liable for anything.

“We should also remember that these boats are insured. So, insurance will definitely cover it in case of any damage or theft. Be assured that whatever it is, it will be replaced, whether the boat itself or any of its parts,” the LASWA boss said.

Mr Emmanuel, however, added that the owners had a responsibility to play as well as LASWA, the regulator, in ensuring the safety of the boats.

(NAN)