The upcoming ban on pure water in Lagos, starting in January 2025, is causing a lot of concern for the people living in the city.
While the government aims to reduce plastic waste, this move will affect daily life in several ways.
Here are five major impacts Lagosians may face:
1. Increased Cost of Drinking Water
Pure water is currently one of the cheapest ways to get drinking water in Lagos.
When the ban takes effect, people will have to buy more expensive bottled water or find other alternatives, which may not be as affordable.
2. Strain on Low-Income Households
For many families in Lagos, pure water is an essential part of daily life. The ban could place extra financial pressure on low-income households that rely on this cheap source of drinking water.
They will have to find new ways to get safe drinking water, which might be more costly.
3. Search for Affordable Alternatives
Lagosians will need to find alternatives to pure water. While some might choose bottled water, others may invest in water filters or other options.
Unfortunately, these alternatives might not be as easy to find or as cheap as sachet water.
4. Environmental Benefits
On a positive note, the ban will help reduce plastic pollution in the city. Lagos has long struggled with plastic waste clogging up drainage systems and littering streets.
Reducing the use of sachet water will lessen the amount of plastic waste in the environment.
5. Challenges for Water Producers
The ban will also affect businesses that produce and sell pure water. Many small businesses depend on this trade, and they may struggle to adjust to the new rules.
Some producers might shut down, while others will have to switch to more expensive packaging.