The Environmental Protection Agency has shut down seven Mineral Water Companies for producing unsafe drinking water to the Liberian populace.
The decision Followed scientific test conducted by Laboratory technicians at the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the bacteriological analysis result shows that out of the eight Companies only one to include: Sunny Aqua located on the GSA Road in Paynesville met the global and classical quality standard test and is best suited and satisfied for drinking.
However, those who failed the test and were instructed to shut down operations until further notice are: Sweet for Liberians Mineral Water, Horoya Pure Mineral Water, WAHCO purified Mineral Water, Romekah Mineral Water, Ducor Safe, Mekki’s Pure Mineral Water and Flourish mineral water.
The seven water companies according to the result have different respective results as well as situations as some have more work to be done on their productions while others have less quality work to be done including Flourish Mineral Water.
Speaking to reporters following the release of the result was the Acting Executive Director of the EPA Randall Dobayou who stated that the exercise was not meant to name and shame companies including taking them out of business but to ensure that they all work together to have a safe environment for living.
“We will work with you to ensure you meet all quality standards for the benefit of us all”, Randall told the water producers.
He was quick to mention that a product can be satisfied and clear for operations/drinking due to tests conducted but can also later on be tested unsafe for drinking again due to scientific testing.
According to the Acting Executive Director of the EPA Randall Dobayou the focus of the test was among other things meant to reduce the potential risk of the population in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He told the gathering that they are under obligation to help protect the environment as such quality services to the people is paramount and should be observed by all.
The Acting EPA boss providing more details on how the work was done stressed that samples of each of the eight companies’ water sachets were collected on the local market because it is where the people are often and unknowingly exposed to such mass production and subsequent consumption of their respective products.
After the respective collection of the products were done a professional and scientific study was conducted and findings arrived at before coming up with such a result, Randall uttered.
He said if they are not satisfied with the results they can challenge the EPA but he is confident that his technicians did a good void of biases.
“We are not shutting you people down perpetually, is just a work in progress and we are doing a control run and once you do the right thing in the soonest possible time and we are satisfied with your production scientifically, we will reopen your respective businesses”, Mr. Dobayou pointed out.
As part of the analysis faecal coliforms and total bacteria were parameters used among others during the study.
Though the water producers generally accepted the result from the EPA and assured them that they will work with the regulatory body in order to ensure they meet quality standards, they also raised some concerns about the porous plastic which is a serious issue they are confronted with daily and wants the intervention of the EPA in said regard.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dobayou encouraged some of the companies who are yet to obtain their permits from EPA to do so in order for them to know who and how to carry out a regular and proper monitoring of their respective operations.
According to experts, poor storage facility and location of production sites among others are attributing factors that led to some of the companies not being fully producing satisfied and quality products to the public.
However, and with the Wiliness and collaboration from the parties involved and with the EPA professional assistance the issues going forward can be addressed for the benefit of the general public.
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