….. attributes increase in cost of table Water to inflation
Table Water manufacturing companies in Imo state has been urged to adhere to the operational guidelines to produce good quality water for human consumption.
The chairman of the Association for Table Water Producers Imo state, ATWAP, Ahamaefula Chinedu Franklin said this during a one day seminar Organised for the members of the Association in Owerri Imo state.
The chairman disclosed that the issue of price competition has affected the business as some producers do sale at a lower price to reduce cost of production thereby reducing the quality of water been circulated in the market.
He attributed this to producers who are not registered with NAFDAC and the Association thereby cutting corners, this he said affect the businesses of those who are properly registered. He disclosed that these people mostly distributes their products at night to avoid been caught and warned the public against buying from such companies for their safety and health.
He emphasized that it’s safer to buy at a higher rate than risking someone’s health.
He noted that most of their members face challenges of tout, illegal taskforce operations and increase in cost of production hence the need for the government to intervene in the situation
The Imo state NAFDAC coordinator Mrs Mercy Ndukwe who spoke at the seminar urged the producers to maintain good sanitation and environment, changing their machines when necessary, have good storage system amongst others for the wellbeing of their companies.
The coordinator also told the table Water producers to keep to the standards set by the regulatory Agency to produce quality and portable water.
She further urged those who are yet to register their product to do so to avoid facing sanctions from the regulatory Agency.
She further urged the distributors to maintain proper hygiene at the point of selling to their customers to avoid contamination which in the long run affect the health of consumers.
One of the Manufacturers Hon Bismarck, the CEO of Elmaco Table Water while speaking to newsmen disclosed that the economic situation of the country has affected their business stating that the per capita income is low due to the high cost of production, this he said affect the salaries of workers.
He urged the government to make favourable policies that will help their company grow.
He seized the opportunity to urge consumers to know the source of water they buy before consumption.
