CES calls for modern slaughter facilities to reduce disease spread

JUBA – The Central Equatoria State Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, Alex Lotiyu has called on investors to support the development of modern slaughter facilities on Wednesday.

“We are urging investors to invest in the construction of modern and standard slaughterhouses,” Lotiyu told reporters while inspecting slaughterhouses in Juba.

He emphasised that this initiative would enable butchers to work in clean environments and help reduce the spread of diseases.

During the inspection, the minister ordered the immediate closure of two slaughterhouses in Gumbo, which were found to lack proper hygiene standards.

He explained that the decision to close these facilities was necessary to address serious sanitation concerns but clarified that it does not imply a complete suspension of slaughterhouse operations in the area.

“These slaughterhouses must be closed down immediately until we address the sanitation issues,” Lotiyu said.

“The lives of humans are more important than the revenue we generate. However, we are not suspending the slaughterhouse business entirely.”

“I urge the owners of these facilities and the leadership of the butchers’ union to come to the ministry for a meeting. We need to work together to address sanitation issues across the state,” Lotiyu added.

Noel Lado, the payam director of Rajaf, reported complaints from residents in Gumbo regarding sanitation in the area, urging the government to relocate the slaughterhouse away from residential zones.

“We have received complaints from the people around here that solid waste is causing diseases for them and their children. This is why we are here,” Noel stated.

However, Paul Bol, the owner of Bilnyang slaughterhouse, argued that the government should not close the facilities but rather give butchers a chance to operate during this period.

“The government should allow us to work; the slaughterhouse should not be closed. Where will the butchers slaughter the animals? Where will citizens get meat from? We need to wait until the meeting with the government is concluded,” Paul said.

The slaughterhouses that were closed include the Dubai and Bilnyang facilities in Mangala Payam, due to inadequate solid waste management, which has contributed to an increase in cholera cases in Gumbo.