Abuja water producers embark on strike over hike in cost of production

By Bisola Adeyemo

Water Producers in Abuja under the auspices of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) have embarked on a week strike.

Speaking with NatureNews on Wednesday night, the chairman of Ajasson Table Water Nig. Ltd, Gwagwalada, Mr. Akwuh O. Mohammed said the association decided to embark on a week strike for a proper sanitation in the environments.

He said “the purpose is for general sanitation exercise of our premises and equipment for one week, effective from 28 Sept to 4th October.

“As manufacturers of a very vital product which help in sustaining life, we should be very careful and avoid producing water that could be harmful to humans health.

“ We thought it wise to make sure we get our members to take out time to clean their environment so that they can continue to produce and sell very hygienic and clean water that is safe for human consumption,” he said.

“However, we have also discovered that for us to continue to be in business and produce safe water even after our sanitation exercise, we must have to increase the price of waters from the current price N100 per bag to N200 bag, while a sachet of water will sell for N20. This is because all the materials we use for the production and packaging of sachet has increased by over 300% .

“For instance, plain film roll into which water is filled has gone over from N650 per kg to N1400 per kg, the nylon bags used which are used to package the sachets and deliver to customers has gone up from N3 each to N6 We can also say the same for cost of power, petrol, diesel and motor parts All these combined have made the sale of water at the current prices impossible if the water producers want to remain in business.” he added.

While urging government to intervene, Mohammed said government should help to rein down the high inflation rate that has made the cost of production high.

“virtually, everything in the country has increased in price and if this is done, then we will be able to purchase our needed materials and other items at a much lower cost and this will translate into a selling price for us.”

Solomon Adeyemi, Manager SOAR table water also urged Federal Government to help maintain and sustain quality sachet water production and consumption.

“Increment or not government should help regulates the industry well, enough of drinking tasty and smelling water. our body system uses water in all the cells, we should not drink something that will contaminate the body system. Health is wealth government should help us flush out bad water producers in the country” a buyer, Olumide Johnson lamented.