Fridays are usually not a conducive day to organize meetups; it’s a working day. Yet, on 16th of August, we made it a duty to show up for this Accessibility Meetup in the heart of Lagos. At about 9:15am some LGs arrived at the venue; While waiting for other Guides, we began to click away with a few interjection by the security guard. Rightly, we haven’t gotten a permit yet, you can call it an LG Photo Syndrome? (Laughs).
LASWA
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) granted our request to visit their new office complex, learn about their activities and see how we can partner for good. Our meeting commenced at about 10:05 am in their conference room. Eight members of their management team were available to engage us on various issues. The Public Relations officer, Nkechi Ajayi, facilitated the meeting while presentation on LASWA was made by the Head of Operations. He gave insights about the history, activities, achievements and prospects of the agency.
Local Guides had the opportunity to ask various questions on accessibility, technology, monitoring, boats types, allowed time for boat operations, security and rescue system.
We learned that:
*there are 30 authorized jetties and terminals across the state
*over 2 million citizens use the waterways monthly
*every approved jetty has desigated LASWA Water Guards to ensure safety and compliance.
…
CRUISE
After the presentation and interaction with the management. We were taken on a guided cruise through the Lagoon to see some of the designated jetties (private and public). Cruising along the waterway helped us to see some new developments around Ikoyi, Banana Island, Lekki and environs. Our boat took us to Lagos Marina and back. At some point we could hear the waves lapping and breakin
Returning to the terminal, we were shown parts of the terminal- restuarant, lounge, restrooms, ticketing desk, dock and more. The distance round the Lagos Island covered about 24.5km.
FIVE COWRIES TERMINAL
Our meetup of Location was the ultra modern ferry terminal called Five Cowries Terminal . This magnificent facility has a unique design edifice which can be clearly seen across the Lagos Lagoon. From this place, you could see some of the iconic buildings overlooking Victoria Island especially the Civic Towers.
Car Park
Within the terminal there is a multi-storey car parking building for all vehicles. It has automated security and ticketing system. It has dedicated parking for persons with disabilities and nice aesthetics too.
Passengers Lounge
The largest part of the terminal is the passengers lounge. It is demarcated into two- departure and arrival. More than 200 passengers can be seated inside the lounge at a time.
Corporate Office
LASWA has its corporate office on the last floor which is accessed by stairway or elevator. The conference room is at the penthouse and has a scenic view of the lagoon and Victory Island.
Restaurant
Passengers waiting to board a boat or ferry can have breakfast or lunch here. There’s a cafe at the entrance and restaurant (The Station) upstairs. We had coffee and snacks during the meetup. The prices were unbelievably affordable compared with eatries outside.
Bar & Lounge
Beside the dock, there is a new lounge which will be opened in a few weeks. It is beautifully situated close to the waterfront and the breeze could be tricky towards evening. This is place has a great view of the waterfront and cosy place to hangout with friends.
We took photos, 360 images, drone shots and discussed features of an accessible building.
ACCESSIBILITY
Five Cowries has accessible entrance (ramps on opposite), step-free automated doors, elevator, accessible restroom, digital display boards, direction signs, ramps to the jetty, and dedicated parking.
The facility deserves a 95% score on inclusiveness. Additional Public Address System/Loops will be valuable for people with visual impairments.
- OUTCOME
- We agreed to help add, edit and review all LASWA approved jetties and terminals.
- LASWA and Local Guides will continue to exchange communication especially for updates on water transportation.
- 12 Local Guides attended the meetup and four for the first time.
- Some modern ferries purchased by the State Government with #LAGFerry inscribed on them are set to be used for commercial transportation. It can take up to 30 passengers at a time.
@Lelekena @Uchenna @Adedeji-X @Vera_chidera @Sayo @alukohammed
Thanks to all the LGs that joined the meetup especially the two newbies - Rebecca and Deborah.
Feel free to view some of the gorgeous pictures in the album and check my growing list of boat/ferry jetties in lagos.
) on the side of the Table Representing Google Local Guides, While the LASWA team was on the other side of the table.
Lagos LGs are special.