Environment
NAFDAC Shuts Down Illegal Water Factories In PH
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down ten substandard and unregistered sachet water factories in Port Harcourt.
This was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
The release signed by NAFDAC South South Zonal Press Relations Officer, Cyril Monye, said that the operation was part of the agency’s bid to permanently stamp out illegal sachet water production in the zone.
According to the release, four persons who are’ Levi Israel 30, Monica Amadi 48, Nduka Uba Udechukwu 27 and Chukwu Lloyd 39, were arrested during the operation, while four buses loaded with sachet water packaging machines, rolls of films and three generator sets, used in the business were impounded.
The release quoted the Rivers State coordinator of the agency Mrs. Mercy Ndukwe, an assistant Director’s as saying that the operation was aimed at sanitizing the chaotic sachet water business in the state.
She also said that the agency would never compromise as standard was their ultimate concern. “In course of this operation we discovered that some licensed sachet waters are no longer being operated by their original owners; they have sold off their franchise to someone else who in turn set up a substandard factory without consulting NAFDAC and with absolute disregard to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)”.
“This is a continuous exercise that will be sustained until the sachet water business in the state is sanitized and clandestine producers uprooted, those that could not meet up to standard are advised to look for other businesses to do”, Ndukwe stated.
The State coordinator said that the agency would not relent until all the substandard and unregistered premises are dismantled, warning that tough time awaits all illegal producers of packaged water in the state as NAFDAC had put strategies in place to frustrate their unwholesome activities.
The operation was carried out in Diobu, Bundu Waterside, NTA Road, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Eliparanwo, Ada George and Eagle Island.
The affected sachet waters which are either been operated in poor facility or with fictitious NAFDAC number are: FOUNTINO A1-5490L, RIVERA 01-3666L, REAL 01-40161L, Rosewil 01-2547L, KRIS B1-9605L, Melow 012983L, Preson A1-4289L, HANNOVER Ice, Debbie-king, and Tonic Spring.
The state coordinator encouraged those desirous of doing genuine business to come to NAFDAC office and be guided appropriately, urging the public to always report any suspected illegal production of NAFDAC regulated product, affirming the zero tolerance posture of the agency for fake and unwholesome products.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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