NIWA deploys swamp devils to rescue boat operators over menace of Water Hyacinth

Engineer Mauzu Sambo

The National Inland Waterways Authority (Niwa) has deployed three swamp devils to break and unlock the blockage of navigational routes by stubborn water hyacinth which has become a nightmare for boat operators in Lagos State.

From Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu in particular the water weeds have affected water transportation in Lagos and has brought untold hardship to both commuters and boat operators as its presence on the waterways has become a menace and nightmare.

To create a navigational window and free flow channel to ease the convenience of boat operators and other operational vessels, Niwa office in Lagos deployed three powerful swamp devils, a motorized attack vessels that shreds the weeds which is reputed to also destroy aquatic life apart from its famous strangulations and obstruction of waterway corridors.

At Ikorodu jetty where Niwa official have been stationed to stem the weed tide and growth, boat operators and commuters applauded the round the clock presence of the swamp devils and called for an effective solution to the seasonal presence of water hyacinth in the state.

President Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATION), Mr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun commended the ever presence of Niwa swamp devil machines without which water transportation would have been grounded due to its damaging effects to boat engines. He noted that his association will partner with Niwa Lagos to ensure free flow of movement throughout the festive period and beyond as water transportation is key to rural development and movement of goods and services.

Speaking after operational inspection of ongoing Niwa efforts at Ikorodu Jetty, Lagos area manager of Niwa, Engineer Mauzu Sambo disclosed that Niwa will soon deploy its massive and giant water weeds harvester in addition to the swamp devils as part of the strategy to stem the menace of water hyacinth on Lagos waterway and create a free flow navigational channel for boat operators.

He said “Niwa as eye of the federal government will find a solution to this development. We are not satisfied with any palliative arrangement and that is why our team is stationed here until we eradicate and provide solution to end users, particularly at a period like this when Lagosians and their families would want to visit friends and others heading to beaches.

It would recalled that water weeds have become a reoccurring feature on Nigeria waterways in recent times and is notorious for its menacing presence and octopus resurrection even after being shredded through mechanical means.