By Helen Okechukwu, JKNMedia Reporter
WATER, the elixir of life, is indispensable for human survival, safeguarding health and vitality. However, recent revelations by the National Agency for Food and Drud Control (NAFDAC) have exposed a clandestine threat lurking within the sanctity of seemingly sealed bottle water, posing a grace risk to unsuspecting consumers.
In a concerted effort to combat the menace of unsafe water, the NAFDAC has intensified its crackdown on illicit water factories operating secretly across Nigeria.
The latest expose unfolded in the heart of Port Harcourt, at Nestle Pipe Line Road, Eneka, where the agency unearthed a counterfeit bottle water enterprise camouflaged within the fabric of legitimate brands.
For years, the public has harboured the belief that sealed bottle water guarantees safety amidst environmental uncertainties. Yet, beneath the glossy coating of reputable labels lies a shadowy underworld of counterfeit production.
Uncovering The Site of Deceit
VIDEO evidence obtained by NAFDAC depicted the squalid conditions within the illicit facility, corroborating intelligence received from undisclosed sources.
Upon raiding the premises, NAFDAC operatives encountered a hazardous environment unfit for production. Stagnant water pooled on the floor, amidst piles of newspapers, makeshift filtration apparatus and counterfeit branded bottles.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the toll of unsafe water on global health is staggering, with approximately one million deaths annually attributed to waterborne diseases like diarrhoea.
Alarmingly, children under five bear the brunt of this crisis, with an estimated 395,000 fatalities annually, a significant portion of which could be averted through mitigating factors like ensuring the safety of bottled water production.
Continued Investigation and Apprehension
DURING the raid, NAFDAC apprehended Mr. Chibunna James, allegedly involved in the distribution of the counterfeit products.
Evidence collected at the scene, including reused branded bottles and unhygienic production practices underscored the gravity of the situation.
Majorly Affected People
Statistics from the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) paint a grim picture of Nigeria’s water-related health crisis, with an alarming 117,000 deaths attributed to waterborne illnesses, the highest among nations.
Vulnerable populations, particularly children and women, bear the brunt of the crisis, with UNICEF reporting that 70% of Nigerians consume contaminated water, aggravating the risk of water-borne diseases.
Addressing The Crisis
IN response to the looming health crisis posed by counterfeit water production, NAFDAC says it has taken decisive action, shuttering illicit production sites, apprehending suspects and seizing counterfeit products.
However, it says that the battle against unsafe water is far from over, underscoring the urgent need for continued vigilance and regulatory oversight to safeguard public health and ensure access to safe drinking water for all.
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