Price Of ‘Pure Water’ Doubles In Abia State, Residents Turn To Boreholes, Other Public Sources

Price Of ‘Pure Water’ Doubles In Abia State, Residents Turn To Boreholes, Other Public Sources

In Abia State, the cost of sachet water, commonly referred to as pure water, has surged by 100%, sparking outrage among residents of Umuahia and surrounding areas……READ ALSO Price Of Pure Water In Nigeria Soars, Threatens To Hit N100 per Sachet

Naija News has gathered that the price of sachet water has skyrocketed to N50 per sachet, up from the previous price of two sachets for N50, just two weeks ago.

Moreover, a bag containing 20 sachets now commands a price tag ranging between N400 and N450, compared to the previous rate of N300.

Reports indicate that this price surge commenced following a two-day strike by members of the Table and Sachet Water Producers Association in Abia State.

Subsequently, the association decided to hike the price to N350 per bag, up from the initial N250, while retailers passed on the cost to consumers at N50 per sachet.

In response to the exorbitant prices, some residents have resorted to drinking water directly from boreholes and other public sources, despite acknowledging the associated health risks.

Expressing concern over the situation, public health expert Terry Omemma emphasized the urgent need to address the affordability of drinking water, warning of potential outbreaks of water-borne diseases due to consumption of unclean water.

However, the Association of Table and Sachet Water Producers in Abia State defended their decision to increase prices, citing the escalating costs of production materials.

Chairman Peter Nwakanma, speaking on behalf of the association, stated that they would consider reducing prices if the costs of production materials decreased in the market.

He also cautioned the public against consuming water not approved by NAFDAC, highlighting the potential health hazards associated with such actions.

The cost of sachet water, commonly referred to as pure water, has surged by 100% in Abia State, sparking discontent among Umuahia residents and others across the region.

Reports indicate that the price of sachet water has spiked to N50 per sachet, up from two sachets for N50, a rate observed just two weeks ago.

Furthermore, a bag containing 20 sachets now commands a price range of N400 to N450, compared to the previous N300 charged by retailers.

The price hike followed a two-day strike by members of the Table and Sachet Water Producers Association in Abia State, leading to a decision to raise the price to N350 per bag from the former N250. Subsequently, retailers began vending at N50 per sachet to final consumers.

In response, some residents have resorted to consuming water from boreholes and other public sources, despite acknowledging the associated health risks. They urge both producers and the Abia State government to promptly address the issue.

Public health expert Terry Omemma emphasized the need to lower the price of drinking water to ensure accessibility for poorer consumers, warning of potential waterborne disease outbreaks due to the consumption of unclean water.

Meanwhile, the Association of Table and Sachet Water Producers in Abia State attributed the price hike to escalating production material costs. Chairman Peter Nwakanma stated that they would consider reducing prices once production material costs normalize in the market.

Nwakanma also cautioned against consuming water not approved by NAFDAC, highlighting the potential dangers of exposure to deadly diseases.