In the scorched landscapes of Sokoto state, water takes center stage as a fundamental resource crucial for human health, agricultural productivity, and economic development. Access to clean and safe water remains a challenge in many regions, especially with the issues of climate change, prompting the rise of sachet water production as a vital solution.
According to the 2021 WASH NORM report, only 38 percent of Sokoto State’s residents enjoy access to fundamental water supply services. This clear-cut statistic highlights the significant challenge of limited access to safe drinking water for the majority. Consequently, a substantial portion of urban residents relies heavily on sachet water, commonly known as “pure water,” as a primary source of drinking water.
Sachet water: A crucial solution for limited access
Sachet water, with its affordability and convenience, has become a lifeline for communities facing restricted access to safe drinking water. This essential commodity not only addresses the hydration needs of the population but also plays a significant role in supporting agriculture and fostering economic growth within the state.
In a bid to explore sachet water factories, their modern innovations and hygiene concerns, ASHENEWS visited various sachet water manufacturing plants, namely Al-Sharif, Shem-Lameck, Ibhade, Hugaf, Alkanchi, and Vani sachet water.
At the cause of the investigation, our reporter examined their purification, packaging, and processing methods, revealing that several of these facilities have incorporated modern innovations in sachet water production.
The investigation observed that these factories primarily rely on boreholes as their water source and maintain at least six storage tanks with standby generators. However, it was noted that they still depend on the power supply for lighting.
Al-Sherif Sachet Water Factory, situated on Kalambaina Road in Arkilla, Sokoto State, is dedicated to purifying and packaging pure water for its consumers. The factory employs various processes for purifying its water, ensuring its quality for consumption.
The factory boasts ample space capable of accommodating nine 9gp high tanks, and its surroundings are accurately tiled and maintained. Trucks particularly for distribution are neatly parked outside. Within the factory, there are water treatment machines, 1hp high submersible water pumping machines, 1hp surface pumping machines, aeration faucets, PVC pipes, plumbing fittings, filters, filling machines, sealers, water sterilizers, and water dispensers.
“The factory produces up to 7gp tanks of water daily due to the substantial demand from consumers,” said Mr Ibrahim Usman, an employee at Al-Sharif Sachet Water, mentioning that the company has been operational since 2018.
In explaining the water treatment process, Usman described that the water treatment equipment is an automated combo unit with a reversed osmosis filter system. This system employs Micro-Filter Cartridges (0.5µ (Micron)) along with sterilizers, liquid chlorine, calcium hypochlorite powder, hydrogen peroxide, greensand, activated carbon/charcoal, ion exchange resins (cations and anions), and mineral acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3) facilitated by dosing pumps. This thorough treatment process is implemented to ensure the safety and quality of the sachet water produced by the factory.
The second stop was at Shem-Lameck Sachet Water Factory, which produces approximately 5 to 6 gp (gallons) of water daily to meet the demands of its customers.
“With the increasing demands from our customers, we generate 5 to 6 gp tanks per day. Water is an essential need, and the rising health consciousness among people has fuelled this demand,” said Mr Henry Gabriel, the Manager, shared with ASHENEWS “Consumers are becoming more mindful of what they consume to prevent ailments such as typhoid, cancer, and obesity. As a result, we strive to fulfil our consumers’ requests promptly.”
Henry emphasised that Shem-Lameck is among the largest sachet water factories in Sokoto State, with its compound bustling with trucks dedicated to sachet water distribution. Sachet water has become one of the fastest-selling products in Nigeria due to its affordability and widespread demand.
“The affordability of sachet water, especially when compared to bottled water, contributes to its popularity,” he said.
However, Henry cautioned that the era of sachet water may soon come to an end stating that there is a proposed plan by the Nigerian government to ban the production and sale of sachet water, polythene bags, and similar items.
Henry further explained that the proposed ban aims to address environmental degradation, particularly drainage blockage caused by non-biodegradable materials. “The collaborative effort required in the sachet water production process, noting tasks such as container cleaning, machine operation, sachet water distribution, and loading trucks or vans necessitate a team effort,” he stressed.
Also, from Hugaf Sachets Water Factory, Mr. Hassan Ahamed, a worker at emphasised the use of protective equipment for ensuring hygiene. “Our protective equipment includes reusable food handling gloves, hygiene face masks, head nets, laboratory coats, rubber boots, and hand sanitisers. Essential cleaning tools such as long-handle hard brushes, food-grade liquid detergents, cleaning mops, dust brushes, cobweb brushes, waste bins, and pallets are also utilized.”
According to Ahmed, we have challenges as well, sachet water sales are currently witnessing an upswing due to diesel prices being favourable, allowing consistent night-time production. “The sachet water business can be impacted by seasonal changes, with a potential decline in sales during the rainy season when water consumption tends to decrease,” he explained.
Amidst the proliferation of sachet water factories in Sokoto State, concerns about the hygienic conditions of water packaging, distribution, and sale have been raised. Shen-lameck, being one of the largest sachet water factories in the state, showcased a bustling compound with trucks, attesting to the indispensable nature of sachet water in Nigeria. Its affordability, compared to bottled water, positions it as a swiftly selling product, securing a special place in consumers’ preferences.
There are indications that the state government is contemplating a ban on the production and sale of sachet water and polythene bags. This proposed action stems from the environmental challenges posed by non-biodegradable materials, necessitating a decisive step to address these consequences.
However, alongside these innovations, there are emerging hygiene concerns that demand attention. Issues such as waste disposal practices, production environment conditions, and potential lapses in quality control have raised questions about the safety of the water supply.
As sachet water factories play a crucial role in meeting the water needs of the region, addressing these concerns is paramount for ensuring the well-being of Sokoto’s residents.
A call for wide-ranging solutions
In light of these findings, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive approach to address both the positive innovations and the hygiene challenges within Sokoto’s sachet water factories. The industry’s role in providing accessible water must align with stringent quality control measures to guarantee the safety and well-being of the consumers.
This investigation aims to contribute to an ongoing dialogue on improving water production practices and ensuring a sustainable and safe water supply for Sokoto state.
As the state navigates the delicate balance between innovation and hygiene, stakeholders are urged to collaborate in establishing and enforcing standards that safeguard the health of the population and support the continued growth of this indispensable industry.
