Lockdown: commuters resort to waterway as alternative transport means

By Sunday Ogundiran

Waterside Canoe paddlers at Oke-Afa Jakande leading to Okota, Ago Palace Way, Isolo and Cele express have been making huge amount of revenue as residents of  the communities have resorted to the water transportation since the restrictions on movement affect motorists.

ECHONEWS gathered that the route remains the only available alternative for those allowed to go to work and their business destinations such as journalists, heath workers and food traders who do not have their own cars.

It was also gathered that some other people who have one or two things to do in other communities flaunt the stay-at-home order and go through the waterway their destinations.

One of the canoe paddlers, Adamu Buraimoh told our correspondent that since the restriction on movement started, many people have been going through the waterway, leading to increase in the number of passengers who take the route to and fro their communities.

This, according to him, has equally increased his income though he has not increase the fare beyond the normal N50 charged each passenger.

“Following the government restriction order on movement across the state as a way of curtailing the spread of coronavirus, people have resorted to this mean of transportation as many of them especially those who do not have their own cars use this means of transportation every day.

“Residents who already know the waterside route now pass there on a daily bases. After crossing the water, they find their ways to their various destinations.”