The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has sealed three packaged water factories in the Lekki axis for non-compliance with operational guidelines and approved quality standards.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the factories were sealed on Tuesday when officers of the Technical Department of LASWARCO inspected four of such facilities.
Of the four, only APNO factory met the commission’s operational and approved quality standards.
The commission requires that such a facility should operate in a clean environment, have a functional treatment machine and have its workers neatly kitted, with their hands covered with gloves.
It also requires good packaging and batching to know the date of water production.
The three factories sealed for non-compliance are H. Life water produced by Mr Raymond Oyibo at House 3, Road 4, Oguntayo Estate, Eputu, lbeju Lekki; Belwu Water produced by Mr Damola Idris of 1 Alhaji MKO Street, Oribawa Phase 2, lbeju Lekki; and Aquadon Water produced by Mr Valentine Umodiake on Mega Tea Road, lbeju Lekki
The Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs Funke Adepoju, told journalists while sealing the factories that the commission was committed to enforcing the Drinking Water Quality Guidelines of Lagos State.
According to Adepoju, the guidelines outline specific standards and penalties for non-compliance.
She said the commission’s responsibility was to monitor and regulate activities related to water quality, including bottled and sachet water production.
Adepoju said that the commission’s primary concern was to ensure that water consumed by Lagos residents, whether from public or private sources, was safe and wholesome.
She said that LASWARCO had launched an initiative to encourage compliance with water quality standards, adding that businesses that adhered to regulations would thrive.
She said the commission would not hesitate to take actions against producers who engaged in substandard practices.
Mrs Mosaku Omolabake, Chairperson, Association of Table Water Producers in Lagos State and producer of Mega Right Water at Ibeju Lekki, expressed support for LASWARCO’s inspection and enforcement activities.
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She said that the enforcement was not targeted against specific individuals but was to ensure that all producers adhered to quality standards.
She highlighted the importance of producing safe and consumable water, and warned against practices that could harm the public.
She also emphasised the association’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting public health.
The Chief Executive Officer of APNO Waters, Dr Amaobi Longinus, expressed gratitude for the visit by the technical team from LASWARCO.
He said that collaboration and knowledge sharing between regulatory bodies and industry players were important.
He said, “The visit is a positive step toward improving water quality standards and ensuring the well-being of consumers.’’
He expressed the commitment of the Association of Table Water Producers to adhering to regulatory guidelines and prioritising water quality.
According to him, water is essential for life.
NAN reports that 84 producers of packaged water in the Lekki/Ibeju Lekki axis, under the association, were registered by LASWARCO during the visit.
