Rising Cost of Sachet Water Spurs Return of Iced Water
The escalating cost of sachet water, a vital commodity for daily hydration in Nigeria, has prompted a resurgence in the popularity of iced water, particularly in the face of economic hardships and increasing prices of basic goods. Previously sold for N50 per bag, sachet water now commands a price tag of N500 in some regions, placing a significant strain on consumers, especially those with limited financial means.
This dramatic price increase has forced many Nigerians, including the affluent, to seek alternative and more affordable options for obtaining clean drinking water. Some individuals have abandoned bottled water, which now sells for as much as N300 per bottle in certain cities, in favor of carrying sachet water in repurposed bottles. Others have resorted to boiling borehole water and sieving it into used bottles after it cools off, as a cost-saving measure.
The decline in patronage for bottled and sachet water has also impacted beverage hawkers, leading them to return to selling iced water, a practice reminiscent of past decades. These hawkers can now be found in school areas, marketplaces, and motor parks in smaller towns and cities across the country, offering a more affordable alternative to packaged water.
Mrs. Dorathy Ehis, a seller of sachet and bottled water in Benin, explained her decision to sell ice water as a means of increasing sales amidst dwindling patronage. She noted, “I never thought ice water would be sold in Nigeria again since the 90s. But the continuous increase in the price of sachet and bottled water has left many drinking borehole water. My sachet and bottled water business is not moving at all.”
Similarly, Mrs. Sandra Momoh, a snack and water seller, shared her experience of adapting to the changing market demands by selling ice water to students outside a public school. She stated, “Students cannot afford a sachet of water for N50. So I had to improvise by selling ice water to increase patronage.”
While the return of iced water may provide a temporary solution to the high cost of sachet and bottled water, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with drinking unclean water. Mr. Folawe Afolayan, a microbiologist, highlighted the importance of ensuring the hygiene and safety of the water used in preparing iced water to avoid waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, access to clean and affordable drinking water remains a critical issue that requires urgent attention and sustainable solutions.
