The Rivers State Chairman of the Hygienic Water Producers Association, Egberi Odiri Mackson, has raised alarm over the continued harassment of association members by officers of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), despite an ongoing court case with the state Ministry of Transport.
Mackson alleged that some VIO officers, in collaboration with illegally engaged contractors, have been extorting large sums of money from sachet and bottled water producers across the state under the guise of vehicle and operational checks.
He described the actions as unlawful and detrimental to business growth, noting that many producers are already struggling to cope with rising operational costs and economic challenges.
According to him, the continued intimidation and harassment of members contravene the principles of fair business practices and disregard the authority of the court currently handling the dispute.
Mackson called on the Rivers State Government to urgently intervene and investigate the activities of the Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer and his team. He urged the government to ensure that VIO personnel remain within their designated offices and desist from targeting water producers for illegal levies.
He stressed that the association remains committed to upholding health and safety standards in water production but appealed for an end to what he described as undue interference and exploitation by enforcement officers.
