THE Anambra State House of Assembly has tasked the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to check proliferation of unlicensed sachet water companies in the state.

Lawrence Ezeudu, the Assembly member representing Dunukofia Constituency, moved the motion to that effect during plenary.

He had expressed worries over rapid increase in sachet water manufacturing outlets in the state, most of which, he observed were unlicensed by the appropriate authorities.

Ezeudu, who doubles as chief whip of the House said that the motion was of urgent public importance.

“There is rapid increase in the sachet water manufacturing outlets in Anambra State, most of which are not licensed.

“Our major concern is about the unhygienic and poor environmental conditions within which most of these sachet water manufacturing outlets operate.

“We are aware that a lack of experienced workers, absence of basic equipment like filtering, sterilising and packaging machines, are some of the defects evident in the unlicensed water manufacturing outlets.

“Many lives are lost daily as a result of water-borne diseases like typhoid, cholera and dysentery; diseases are contacted from consumption of such filthy water.

“NAFDAC should stop those unlicensed sachet water manufacturing outlets to ensure safety and welfare of citizens, which is the primary purpose of every good government,’’ Ezeudo said.

Timothy Ifedioranma, representing Njikoka 1 Constituency, described the motion as “apt and timely.’’

He added: “NAFDAC should swing into action by paying routine visits to sachet water manufacturing companies within the state, as well as monitoring of production and distribution processes of such products.’’

– Mar. 7, 2018 @ 12:35 GMT |