19th November, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) on Tuesday has conducted a raid in the Lekki/Ibeju-Lekki zone, sealing three sachet water factories for failing to meet regulatory standards.
The operation, tagged “Operation Comply and Thrive,” aimed to mitigate the circulation of substandard water products and ensure public health safety.
During the enforcement, the LASWARCO confiscated products from the factories, citing poor water treatment processes and unhygienic environments.
Funke Adepoju, Executive Secretary of the Commission, stressed the government’s commitment to regulating water production standards across the state.
“Part of our mandate is to ensure that the quality of water produced in Lagos is wholesome for consumption. The government has equipped us with mobile labs to monitor compliance,” Adepoju said. “Producers must comply to thrive in this industry as there is a direct nexus between water quality and public health.”
The sealed factories include:
- H-Life Water by Futuris Standard Solution Ltd., located at Road 4A, Oguntayo Estate, Eputu, Ibeju Lekki. Issues included an unhygienic environment, lack of doors, improper staff outfit, and inadequate water treatment.
- Aquadon Water by Uloek Technologies Ltd., at Plot 10, Gbenga Street, Abijo, Ibeju Lekki, where the premises were unclean, and water filtration and treatment processes were absent.
- Belwu Water by Yosidam Integrated Nig. Ltd., at 1 Alhaji MKO Street, Oribanwa, Ibeju Lekki, which had an unkempt environment, improper filtration, and inadequately protected treatment equipment.
Chief Dr. Longinus Amaobi, Chairman of the Lekki/Ibeju Lekki zone Association of Table Water Producers and CEO of Apno Water, expressed concerns over the proliferation of substandard products. “Some of us have invested heavily in quality, but we face competition from those who cut corners, impacting public trust and pricing in the market,” Amaobi stated.
Dr. Anderson Okoro, Vice Chairman of the association and CEO of Aqua Seed Water, voiced similar concerns, noting the low returns for quality producers.
“Many operate without treatment plants. It’s concerning because sachet water is widely consumed, especially by the less privileged,” he said.
