EES Public Panics Over Contaminated Water

By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 28th January 2012 [Gurtong] – The Eastern Equatoria State (EES) public has panicked over rumors that some imported bottled water is allegedly contaminated.

Senior Government officials have advised members of the public to keep away from drinking the imported bottled water pending investigations, while saying that there is need for consumers to be vigilant as some traders could have tempered with Ugandan bottled water by injecting unclear substances in the bottles.

A big number of the population has reported that at different instances when they purchased the plastic bottled water, they found water oozing out when the bottle is pressed before they open the synthetic plastic seal.

Although concrete evidence is not yet established, a section of authorities in the State has urged the public to prove.

These incidences have caused panic among the public from buying the bottled water due to the health risk.
 
Eastern Equatoria State’s head of Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Abraham Odong who concurs with the ongoing rumors told the press that that he has been receiving media reports from Juba regarding the sale of fake water in markets across the country.
 
He cautioned consumers to consider checking standards of goods first before they buy.
 
However, the State Health Minister, Mr. Sam Felix Makuja told the press that he has not received any report on contaminated bottled water being on sale in the State but asked the public to remain calm and vigilant as investigation continue.
 
The minister who pledged to cooperate with the head of traders vowed that, “if such information is proved, counterfeit goods suppliers will face law suits.

He added that the Government will take the matter critically to inspect the foreign bottled water on sale across the towns of EES.