By John Akinfehinwa
Sachet water sellers in Kogi State have said there is no going back on the increment in the price of ‘pure water’ to N200 per bag.
Rising from a meeting with the Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumuni Danga, the Association of Table Water Producers in the state said it has agreed to reduce the price by 50% on the part of the retailers.
Chairman of Kogi ATWAP, Mr. Joseph Eseyin told Newsmen in Lokoja that the agreement reached with government representatives led by the Water Resources Commissioner is that the price remains N200 per bag and each sachet of water be sold at N15 as against the N20 announced last week.
“Selling water at #15 will still enable the retailers make a profit margin of N100 per bag which is 50%. So we are appealing and requesting for the understanding of our retailers
The Chairman of the Association while appealing for understanding among the people said the move was not a deliberate attempt to make life difficult but to ensure standard production.
Mr. Eseyin noted that the increment became imperative following the hike in the cost of production materials due to the harsh economic situation in the country.
He challenged consumers to make an enquiry about Sachet water production which he noted have risen above 400% and still rising due to the dollar increment.
“We don’t want to manage production to the detriment of the health of our consumers. We’re working with NAFDAC which is our regulatory body to ensure that we produce potable water.” Mr. Eseyin added.
