EPA set to lock-up illegal sachet-water firms

The Northern Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would on next week Wednesday lock-up offices of sachet water producers that fail to duly register their companies with the Agency.

Mr Abu Iddrisu, Regional Manager of the Agency who announced this on Wednesday indicated that the Regional secretariat of the Sachet Water Producers has been served with notification letters to that effect.

Speaking at a days’ forum organised by Water Research Institute (WRI) in Tamale, Mr Abu said the operation is aimed at sanitising and mainstreaming activities of the sachet producing companies to ensure that the water they produce is done in a healthy environment, which conforms to the best practices of the Agency.

He said the EPA is mandated by law to ensure a high level of sanitation and also protect the public from consuming unwholesome water.

Dr Felix J. Akpabey, Officer-in-Charge at the WRI of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research observed that many producers are working under unhygienic conditions which need to be checked.

“Many people are producing sachet water everywhere including places closer to public toilets, kitchen, living rooms and other very dirty environment. We need to check these to prevent diseases,” he stressed.

Dr Akpabey said the centre is responsible for water analysing for certification and approval.

Mr Dawda Abdul-Rahman, Regional Secretary of the Sachet Water Producers confirmed to the Ghana News Agency that only 56 out of 200 of its members are operating with license.

“Most of these companies are yet to fully complete the process of registration and license acquisition but they are into production. We have reported some of the companies to the appropriate Authority but nothing has been done,” he added.

Source: GNA