December 17, (THEWILL) – The Kano State Government has invested N1.6 billion in the upgrade of slaughterhouses across 20 Local Government Areas in the state.
The initiative was carried out under the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project , in partnership with several development organizations, including the Islamic Development Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Qatar Foundation, King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Centre, and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development.
KSADP Infrastructure Engineer, Zahraddeen Hamisu Zarewa, disclosed this during a media tour of the completed slaughterhouse at Kura Local Government Area.
Other areas benefiting from the project include Rano, Doguwa, Shanono, Bebeji, Dawakin Tofa, Tudun Wada, and Bichi Local Government Areas, among others.
Zarewa explained that the decision to upgrade the facilities was driven by concerns over the unhygienic conditions in which meat was being processed, posing health risks to consumers.
“It is unfortunate that many of our abattoirs, whether in Kano metropolis or local government areas, were in deplorable conditions.
“Visiting these facilities often made one hesitant to consume meat due to poor handling and processing methods.
“This situation prompted the government to act decisively by upgrading and constructing modern abattoirs,” he said.
Each of the upgraded slaughterhouses is equipped with modern facilities, including four slabs, solar-powered boreholes, meat hangers, solar fans, a cooling room, two industrial freezers, an animal dung dryer, and an office for the Sarkin Fawa (Chief Butcher) of the area.
Zarewa noted that the facilities had been handed over to the Chief Butchers and their teams for operation and maintenance.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Butcher of Kura Local Government Area, Alhaji Ubale Tantabara Kura, expressed gratitude to the government and KSADP for the project, describing it as a significant boost to their business operations.
However, Kura appealed to KSADP to provide proper drainage around the facility to manage wastewater effectively.
The upgraded slaughterhouses are expected to enhance meat processing standards, improve hygiene, and create a healthier environment for both butchers and consumers across the state.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
