Gap, Levis supplier in big trouble

The newspaper said its investigation into pollution in Maseru had discovered that a plant, operated by Taiwanese company Nien Hsing was pouring dark blue effluent into a river from which water is drawn for cooking and bathing.

The newspaper also alleged that the company was dumping needles, razors and harmful chemicals, such as caustic soda, at municipal dumps that attract child scavengers as young as five.

Many of the children work for up to 10 hours a day and complain of ailments that include breathing difficulties, weeping eyes and rashes, according to the Sunday Times.

Both Gap and Levi Strauss have ordered immediate investigations.

Gap said it had told the factory to improve its waste disposal and would conduct a thorough environmental assessment in Lesotho.

Levi Strauss said it was “disturbed” by the findings, said the London report.

Gap, which cultivates a public image of being environmentally aware, said it would convene a meeting of its suppliers in Lesotho to update them on its policies and procedures. — AFP

Source: The Times

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