LCC warns illegal sachet water producers
THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) has warned illegal producers and traders of uncertified water sachets in the city.
Assistant Public Relations Manager Nyambe Bulumba, said the council had been overwhelmed and inundated with complaints from residents about the poor quality and safety of the sachet water being sold on the market by unauthorised producers.
Mr Bulumba said the rigorous investigations where instituted to identify and prosecute the sources of such water, which was being distributed without the knowledge and approval of the local authority.
He said it had been discovered that some of the contact numbers on the labels of the water sachets were fake, indicating that the sources of such water were dubious and that the companies behind them were operating illegally.
“The council has intensified inspections, to ensure that the public are sold water that meets the public health standards and is fit for human consumption.
We will also collaborate with other councils in cases where companies claim to be producing water outside LCC's jurisdiction, to verify the origin and compliance of the firm in question regarding its services and goods, to protect people's health.
“The council reminds all water-producing companies that they are required to be licensed by the council and to pay their dues to the council such as business levies, fire certificates and health permits among others,” he said.
Mr Bulumba said the companies should also ensure that they sell water with labels from accredited institutions like the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) among others to avoid endangering the lives of the public.
“The local authority warns these unscrupulous individuals and companies engaged in such activities to cease with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the law.
The council also urged the public to be vigilant and report to the council any sachet of water suspected to be from questionable producers.