By Baraka John
Officials from Yambio County have called for the relocation and modernization of the town’s main slaughterhouse following an inspection that revealed poor hygiene and unsafe conditions.
On Tuesday, the Commissioner of Yambio County, Hon. Michael Ismail Medi, led a high-level delegation that included the Minister of Animal Resources, Hon. Samuel Zigizo, and county veterinary officers to assess the facility’s condition. The visit came after repeated complaints from residents of the Baiparu area regarding foul odor, poor sanitation, and unhygienic slaughtering practices.
Speaking during the inspection, Commissioner Medi expressed deep concern over what he described as “unacceptable conditions” at the facility.
“Our people deserve to consume clean and safe meat. What we have seen here today is not suitable for both workers and the community,” Hon. Medi said. “We must work with the Ministry of Animal Resources to identify a better and more hygienic location for the slaughterhouse.”
Hon. Samuel Zigizo, the Minister of Animal Resources, acknowledged the long-standing challenges facing the slaughterhouse, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring food safety and public health.
“This slaughterhouse has served our people for many years, but it is now outdated,” he said. “We are concerned about the safety of our citizens. Relocation and modernization of the facility are priorities to ensure proper meat inspection and protect public health.”
During the assessment, Mr. Mario Magi, a county veterinary representative, highlighted several technical and environmental issues.
“We observed poor drainage systems, a lack of waste disposal facilities, and unsafe slaughtering methods. These issues cause bad odor and pose serious health risks to the community,” he noted, urging immediate intervention.
Also speaking during the visit, Brigadier Joseph Juma, Police Inspector of Yambio County, underscored the need for strict enforcement of hygiene and safety regulations.
“The police will continue working with local authorities to ensure that slaughtering activities comply with public health standards. Safety and hygiene must be respected,” Brig. Juma affirmed.
Residents living near the slaughterhouse welcomed the government’s move. Mr. Johnathan Patrick, a resident of Baiparu, said the community has long suffered from the facility’s poor sanitation.
“We have been complaining for a long time. The smell is unbearable, especially during the rainy season,” he said. “We thank the government for inspecting the place and hope it will be relocated away from our homes.”
The assessment team inspected a proposed new site for the slaughterhouse and recommended immediate relocation to the area, describing it as more suitable and spacious.
County authorities pledged to engage stakeholders to strengthen meat inspection, hygiene standards, and community health measures in Yambio County.