The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has sealed Sparkleen Water Factory for operating in an unclean environment with a porous source of water .
A statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the ministry reads,” a team of Environmental Health Officers conducted an inspection of the facility and discovered that the factory’s primary water source was located outside the premises, upon investigation, the team found that the source—disguised as a borehole—was in fact an unprotected and unhygienic well.
“There was no tight-fitting cover on the well, nor any parapet above the ground level,” the report stated. “This left the water highly susceptible to contamination from surface runoff, animal droppings, and other pollutants, which can trigger outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.”
The inspection also revealed that the factory’s immediate environment was in a deplorable state. The premises were overgrown with weeds, with waste materials scattered across the area, creating an unsightly scene and a breeding ground for flies and other disease vectors.
“The factory was generally unclean and failed to meet basic sanitary standards,” the report added.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, said the decision to seal the factory was driven by the ministry’s resolve to safeguard public health.
“We cannot allow any facility to jeopardize the health of our people through negligence or poor hygiene practices,” she said. “Our inspection team found serious violations that posed a threat to consumers and the wider public. The factory’s operations were not only unsafe but potentially deadly.”
She explained that an abatement notice was issued before the facility was sealed, adding that the ministry acted swiftly to prevent any health crisis.
“We are taking proactive steps to prevent outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid,” Erelu Aluko-Ajisafe said. “Water production companies must meet minimum health standards. We will continue our surveillance and enforcement to ensure compliance.”
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and report any similar concerns to the authorities.
“Public safety is a collective responsibility. If you notice any factory operating under unhygienic conditions, do not hesitate to alert us,” she said.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and maintaining a clean, safe environment for all.