BY ALEX ADI
Water transport is emerging as a game-changer in urban mobility, offering a reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods. With its potential to reduce travel time, ease congestion, and promote sustainability, water transport is an attractive solution for cities worldwide. Abidjan’s experience with water buses and ferries on the Ebrié Lagoon provides valuable insights into the benefits of this approach.
With a population of 6.3 million, accounting for 21.5% of the country’s population, Abidjan is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends culture, industry, and innovation. Strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea and crisscrossed by the picturesque Ébrié Lagoon, the city has experienced rapid growth, driven by strong industrialization and urbanization. One of Abidjan’s standout features is its unique river and lagoon transport system, which has been in operation since the 1980s. The Abidjan Transport Company (SOTRA) and private entities have provided this service, but since 2015, the government has lifted SOTRA’s exclusivity, paving the way for a more competitive and efficient transport network. GBCNEWS recently captured the dynamism of this water transport system, showcasing its importance in Abidjan’s transportation landscape.
In a city plagued by traffic congestion, the Ebrié Lagoon offers a refreshing alternative. The water bus system, featuring modern terminals and large-capacity boats, is a vital part of Abidjan’s urban transport network. By providing a faster, more affordable, and efficient way to travel, this system is revolutionizing how residents move around the city, connecting them to key destinations like the central business district of Plateau.
GBCNEWS discovered that Abidjan’s water bus system offers a seamless travel experience, with options to transfer to taxis or public buses for the final leg of the journey. The Société de Transport Lagonaire (STL) stands out as a model operator, with a stellar efficiency and safety record. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) system, managed by the Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC), has been operational for decades but faces numerous challenges. With Ghana’s rich water resources providing livelihoods and transportation for many communities, many believe a well-structured river or lagoon transport system could unlock new economic opportunities, particularly in tourism. They say, perhaps, it’s time to draw inspiration from Abidjan’s success story and transform Ghana’s water transport sector.
