The Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) in Enugu State has announced its decision to suspend production in all water-producing factories due to the high cost of production. This decision was made after an emergency meeting held by the ATWAP Enugu State Chapter on February 8, 2024, to address the challenges faced by its members.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman of ATWAP, Enugu State Chapter, Mr. Tony Edike, and its State Secretary, Sir Clems Nwamadi, all table water producers in Enugu State, including Sachets and Pet Bottles, are required to suspend production from Monday, Feb. 12 to Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. This temporary shutdown aims to allow the association to seek workable solutions to the challenges faced by its members.

The statement highlighted the harsh economic situation in the country, particularly the significant increase in the prices of raw materials and other production factors. The 500 per cent increase in the prices of raw materials, including nylon, packaging bags, purifying materials, water procurement, diesel, electricity tariff, haulage/transportation, maintenance, and staff costs, has led to the decision to suspend production.

Furthermore, the statement mentioned the upward review of various fees charged by state and local government agencies as contributing factors to the challenges faced by the ATWAP members. The association received reports indicating that many producers had already shut down their factories due to the high cost of materials and other production challenges.

In response to these challenges, the ATWAP Enugu State Chapter resolved that, effective from February 16, 2024, a bag of Sachet Water (20 sachets) will be sold at N300 to enable producers to sustain their operations and rescue their businesses from collapse. The resolution was unanimously endorsed by all members of the ATWAP Enugu State Chapter, and any defaulter or violator of this resolution will be subject to a fine of N200,000 per truck or driver caught by the ATWAP Task Force.

The statement also advised members to mobilize their staff during the factory shutdown to clean up their equipment and maintain a clean environment. The association appealed for the cooperation of dealers and consumers, soliciting their understanding during this period to enable the producers to remain in business.

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