In readiness for the partial closure of Lagos Third Mainland Bridge for Routine Maintenance from Friday 24th July, 2020 to Sunday 24th January, 2021, LASEMA, the proactive Emergency Management Agency of Government under the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration of Lagos State, has restated its readiness for the onerous task of safeguarding the lives and properties of all residents of Lagos State.
Rising from a marathon meeting today with its primary stakeholders, the D.G/CEO LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, has declared LASEMA’s state of readiness, alongside its first responders who have all been placed on high alert, for the upcoming task. He stated that the Agency has mapped out strategies for deployment of its highly trained and efficient staff and the tactical application of its equipment to ensure all-round safety of Lagosians on land and water during the period of partial closure of the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge and beyond.
As part of its tactical moves, the DG said LASEMA has earmarked Ebute Ero and Ilaje as strategic locations for its Ambulances and will mount its Rescue Boats in conjunction with the Lagos State Waterways Authority, on all waterways of Lagos, while its Marine Unit will mount a 24-hour watch over the waterways with Jet Skis fully deployed, particularly between the peak periods of 6:30 a.m and 7:00 p.m, as a lot more passengers will be advised to travel through alternate routes and the waterways, while the partial closure of Lagos Third Mainland Bridge lasts.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu in conjunction with the DG Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Omojola and the GM Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel appeals to all Lagosians to rest assured that under the watch of ‘Mr. Governor’ of Lagos State, they can confidently use the Lagos waterways, that it’s “absolutely safe”, just as he advised all boat operators to abide by the guiding rules by ensuring all passengers are properly registered on the Passengers Manifest, use genuine Life Jackets; saying that operators must have Life Buoys and ensure they do not ply the waterways beyond 7 p.m in the evening while warning that the Marine Police are also fully involved.
Going further, the DG LASEMA stated that aside from the regular 767 or 112 Toll-Free Emergency numbers, Lagosians are free to call Head of LASEMA’s Lekki Zone and Marine Unit, Mr. Semire Ilori on 08034456121, the Director of Operations, Engr. Olatunde Akinsanya or his personal line 08060907333 in case of any emergency of useful observation
Nosa Okunbor
Head, Public Affairs-LASEMA
13th July, 2020
