LASCOPA Bursts CWAY Factory Over Consumer Complaints

Following a meeting with CWAY officials at the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) over a viral video and complaints concerning CWAY water, the Agency conducted an unscheduled inspection of the company’s production facility.

The inspection was undertaken in line with LASCOPA’s mandate to protect consumers and assess the company’s production, packaging, transportation, storage and distribution processes.

LASCOPA officials toured the facility and observed key stages of production, including bottle filling, capping, labelling and preparation for distribution. Some plastic packaging materials considered unsuitable for use had been set aside for disposal. CWAY explained that the discarded bottles are processed through a grinding machine and sold to plastic industries as raw materials, with records indicating an average of about 1,000 bottles discarded daily.

The Agency advised CWAY to ensure that all packaging materials are properly cleaned, maintained and fit for use. The Director, Scientific Investigation, Research and Development, LASCOPA, Mr. Suluka Raheem, also recommended suitable handles on the bottles to minimise slippage and improve safe handling.

Mr. Raheem further advised the company to establish an appropriate shelf-life period for bottles, after which they should be withdrawn from circulation, whether damaged or not. He also recommended stronger capacity-building and sensitisation for distributors on proper handling and storage, particularly the need to prevent exposure to direct sunlight during transportation.

Representing the General Manager/CEO of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq., the Agency’s Board Secretary/Head, Legal, Mrs. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi, urged CWAY to adopt internationally recognised standards for transportation, distribution and storage. She also called on the management to address the observations and implement the recommendations arising from the inspection.

LASCOPA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety and interests of consumers while promoting confidence in products available across Lagos State.

The inspection was attended by officials and management representatives of both LASCOPA and CWAY.