Piqued by the negative health implications of unhygienic means of processing meat for human consumption following the usage of unprotected abattoirs, Imo Government has concluded arrangement to construct three ultra-modern abattoirs at strategic locations in the three senatorial zones of the State.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere stated this when he went on assessment tour of the three chosen locations for the projects yesterday.
Prince Madumere’s first point of call in Okigwe City was the recently demolished notorious Garki, which used to be a safe haven for criminals and other social deviants. He said the decision to convert it to one of the sites to construct abattoirs and Farmers markets is not unconnected with its strategic location, since people from various parts of Okigwe zone could easily access the facility to procure their meat to meet their protein needs.
It will recalled that Prince Madumere had recently revealed State’s government plan to turn one time notorious Garki to a more viable and economically viable place shortly after it was demolished. He revealed that Imo government will alongside abattoir build farmers’ market where fresh vegetables and other farm produce will be showcased for procurement.
Prince Madumere disclosed that the direction is to ensure control and compliance in the processes of choosing the animal to butcher, the sanitary conditions, preventive and other measures to avoid health issues against the public.
The number two citizen of Imo State also visited other locations at Umusasa-Uzoubi, Umuna in Orlu Local government area where the people of Orlu led by the T.C Chairman of Orlu Local Government, Hon. Mrs. Ijeoma Igboanusi gave him an overwhelming reception.
Prince Madumere while addressing the mammoth crowd noted that the abattoir and the Farmers market will in no little measure affect the farmers and the youth positively as it will create employment opportunities while advising youth to shun crimes and social vices by joining the Imo millionaires club following plans to empower in agribusiness.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and House of Assembly Liaison, Hon. Stan Dara who conducted the Deputy Governor round the location in Orlu noted that the modern abattoir and farmers market will go a long way to keep the people healthy and make the local government economically viable due to the facilities that government would install in the market both for preservation and other purposes. He therefore called on the people of Orlu to embrace Rescue Mission people oriented policies and programmes.
The last point of call was the Owerri proposed site for the Farmers Market and ultra-modern abattoir where Imo Deputy Governor explained this happiness over what are already on ground. He averred that Governor Okorocha attaches great importance to the project because of the health of the people. He averred that with the facilities that would be brought to the proposed abattoirs, it would reduce the level of wastages especially vegetables, meat and other farm produce and save farmers and butchers from wanton losses.
He therefore charged the people to continue to support Governor Okorocha and his Rescue Mission Government, assuring that it will continue to do its best to uplift the living standard of Imo people.
