Taraba residents Protest high prices of Sachet Water

By our Correspondent

Residents of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital have expressed strong worries over the rising cost of sachet water, urging the state government to take immediate action to reduce the cost.

The price has gone up to an all-time high of 50 Naira per sachet, a sharp contrast to neighboring states like Adamawa and Gombe, where the cost remains as low as 20 Naira or two for 50 Naira.

Many residents consider the price hike unjust, particularly given the already high cost of living in the region.

They are calling for an investigation into the practices of water distribution companies operating in the area, with some even suggesting that the government summon the chairman of the sachet water producers’ association for questioning.

Musa Ahmadu, a frustrated resident, expressed disappointment over the lack of regulation on water manufacturers in Jalingo, lamenting that the state government has not done enough to monitor their activities. He urged the government to implement measures that would prevent the exploitation of residents by a few businesses.

In contrast, some sachet water producers defend the price increase, attributing it to rising petroleum costs, which have driven up the prices of production materials.