Equatoria welcomes new abattoir to improve meat hygiene standards
The Central Equatoria State government, in collaboration with private investor Zebed Investment Company, officially inaugurated a new abattoir in Juba’s Gudele suburb on Thursday. The facility aims to provide clean and healthy meat to the residents of the city and address the issue of cattle being slaughtered in unhygienic places.
Juba County Commissioner Charles Joseph Wani expressed his satisfaction with the new slaughterhouse during the opening ceremony. He highlighted the importance of investment in modern abattoirs, stating that they have the potential to be more profitable than hotels. Wani also acknowledged that the existing slaughterhouses in Juba do not meet the required standards, but due to the lack of alternative facilities, they cannot be closed. This new abattoir will significantly help improve the current conditions.
Meanwhile, Peter Ladu Bero, the chairman of the Butchers Association of Central Equatoria, called on the government to empower their organization to close down all makeshift abattoirs. Bero emphasized the need to eradicate the practice of slaughtering cattle in unhealthy places and ensure that citizens can consume meat that is sourced from clean and safe environments. He also urged the government to provide trucks for transporting meat, as the current method of using open rickshaws poses safety risks.
Members of the national parliament are also supportive of efforts to enhance the meat industry in Central Equatoria. Nhial Bol Aken, the chairperson of the specialized committee on livestock, revealed that hotels in Juba import beef due to the absence of safe slaughterhouses in the country. Aken emphasized the need for a domestic slaughterhouse that can meet the local demand and reduce the reliance on imported meat. Furthermore, the committee is exploring the possibility of establishing a poultry facility to address the importation of chicken meat.
The new abattoir, which costs over $300,000, is a result of a Public-Private Partnership between the Central Equatoria State Government and Zebed Investment Company. It has the capacity to process over 300 head of cattle per day, significantly improving the slaughtering capabilities in the region.
This initiative not only addresses the issue of unhygienic slaughter practices but also has broader economic implications. With improved meat hygiene standards, Central Equatoria has the potential to produce high-quality meat for local consumption, reducing the need for imports. The establishment of a poultry facility would further contribute to the self-sufficiency of the region.
In conclusion, the opening of the new abattoir in Juba’s Gudele suburb marks a significant step towards improving meat hygiene standards in Central Equatoria. The government’s collaboration with Zebed Investment Company demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the meat industry and providing clean and healthy meat to the residents of the city. With further investment and support, this sector has the potential to contribute to the region’s economic growth and self-sufficiency in the long run.
