By Patrick Obia
Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), Cross River has flagged off its South-South Zone Good Manufacturers Practice (GMP) campaign in Calabar, the State capital.
The association announced it has officially increased the price of a bag of sachet water also referred to as pure water to ₦200 in the country due to the high cost of materials.
ATWAP said the increase in price is to enable good standard and quality of water production in the country.
Flagging off the event, the South-South Coordinator of ATWAP, Pst. Agape Onuh said the public should understand with the association as they fight to stay in business.
Agape noted that, “the water we produce need to meet up standard for the public consumption, our association is carrying out this campaign to ensure all those that are not qualified will be eliminated; the quacks should be taken off the roads because the health of the public is our pride; we take pride in what we give to the public and that is why we are taking up this campaign.
“We have our enforcement team that ensure any water found on the road will be traced to where it’s coming from and the team is looking out for those carrying water day and night. Very soon we will be liaising with the Police and other agencies, once it is evening any water seen on the road will be arrested and investigated.”
Earlier, the Chairman of ATWAP Cross River, HRH Etubom Archibong Ironbar welcomed participants for the flag off event, noting that the move is apt.
He called on both members and non-members to always ensure good and safe drinking water is produced for public consumption.
ATWAP Cross River State Chairman unveiled the official sticker for the new price and called on God to guide the association and members right.
The group noted that, as an association who preserves life through good drinking water, good hygiene must be maintained in and around water production premises.
It further enjoin members not to put profit before health.