By Uzor Odigbo
The Lagos State waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched its first ever fuel dump stations along the state’s inland waterways.
It stated that the fuel dump project was primarily aimed at boosting water transport activities by selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to boats on the inland waterways which further promotes safety by discouraging the use of jerry cans and kegs to buy fuel.
Nkechi Ajayi, the public relations officer of LASWA, stated this on Tuesday.
The filling station situated at the five cowries terminal, Falomo Ikoyi-Lagos, is to be operated by IOGC, being the agency of government in the downstream sector, the spokesperson stated.
The station is expected to commence operation with effect from September 22, 2020, while selling the fuel at official pump price.
According to the statement, “being a responsible agency of government, this project is significant to us considering the hardship and occasional harassment usually faced by ferry operators, while using jerry cans to get fuel from filling stations to run their boats.
“With the opening of this fuel pump unit to serve both commercial and private boat owners, the safety of lives and property on the Lagos waterways will be greatly enhanced.
“To further promote the safety of all waterways users, no one on this axis will be allowed to carry fuel in jerry cans for whatever reason, we, therefore, solicit the support of all stakeholders in making sure we eliminate all forms of threat to life and infrastructures on the Lagos waterways.
“For effective and seamless operations, the Lagos State government agency in the downstream sector, the Ibile Oil and Gas (IOGC) , will be managing the fuel station on behalf of LASWA.
“This being the first State Government initiative for fueling on the waterways, it is worth celebrating and it will greatly improve safety by discouraging the use of kegs and fuel racketeering on our waterways.”
