The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Esv. (Mrs.) Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi has urged the leadership of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to partner with the State Government in its drive towards economic sustainability and development of the State.
Patunola-Ajayi, gave the advice while receiving the President and Chairman in-Council of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Esv. Johnbull Amayaevbo during the Association courtesy visit to her office.
She noted that while the State Government continued to open up roads and maintain the existing ones for smooth road transportation, it has just commissioned the first phase of the Blue rail services to complement rail transportation, while work is in top gear for the completion of the red rail line.
The PS also revealed that in the area of water transportation where the Ministry is involved, the State Government has also commissioned a state-of-the-art Control Room at the Lagos State Waterways (LASWA) Jetty at Falomo where all activities on Water Transportation are monitored 24/7 for quick intervention when and where needed to ensure safety on the waterways.
Esv. (Mrs.) Patunola-Ajayi said that well-equipped rescue boats were also purchased and deployed on the water for monitoring and quick response where necessary which has reduced to the barest minimum incidences of boat mishaps.
She noted that the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development is presently working on the construction of 21 concrete Jetties across the State for safety and fast water transportation out of which seven are completed, and ready for commissioning and use by Lagosians.
She further disclosed that the State Government, through the Ministry, is working on the upgrade of the existing small Jetties in the rural areas to bring them up to the established standard of the present administration for the safety and comfort of the citizens of the State. Patunola-Ajayi, therefore, implored the Association to join hands with the State Government to move Lagos forward.
In his remark, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Esv. Johnbull Amayaevbo said the essence of the visit was to engender a more cordial relationship between the Institution, State Government, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAS) of Government and critical stakeholders.
He commended the Permanent Secretary for the appreciable progress the Ministry has recorded in the area of Jetty construction within the short period she assumed office. He reaffirmed his trust in the competency of Esv. (Mrs.) Patunola-Ajayi’s ability to continue to work for the improvement of services engenders a better society, particularly within her sphere of responsibilities.