From Suleiman Abubakar
The unsanitary conditions at Lafia Abattoir have reached a critical point, prompting calls for immediate action by the Lafia Local Government Authority to address the issue.
Concerns over the hygiene standards at the facility have escalated, especially as the abattoir lacks the basic necessity of clean water, making it impossible to ensure that meat processed at the premises meets health standards.
Reports indicate that despite the poor conditions, a revenue of between N1,000 and N2,000 is being collected on every animal slaughtered at the abattoir.
This raises questions about how the funds are being utilized and why improvements have not been made to address the hygiene concerns.
Some abattoir workers, frustrated by the lack of clean water and deteriorating sanitary conditions, have made an appeal to the local authorities, asking for intervention.
"We are paying revenue daily, but nothing is being done to improve the situation. We need clean water to do our work properly and ensure that the meat sold to the public is safe," one worker expressed.
In the past, efforts were made to provide clean water through the construction of two boreholes, funded by politicians as part of their contribution toward ensuring hygienic practices at the abattoir.
However, these boreholes have since become dysfunctional, leaving the workers and the community vulnerable to the consequences of unhygienic meat handling.
The lack of clean water is not only a problem for those working at the abattoir but poses a significant risk to public health, as contaminated meat can lead to serious health issues for consumers.
There is an urgent need for the Lafia Local Government Authority to step in and take decisive action against those managing the abattoir. Proper oversight, as well as the restoration of the boreholes or provision of alternative water sources, is crucial to ensure that the facility meets acceptable health and safety standards.
The abattoir plays a vital role in the local economy, and safeguarding public health through the provision of clean, hygienic meat should be a priority.
Local residents and workers are hopeful that the relevant authorities will swiftly look into the matter and implement lasting solutions.
The abattoir’s management must be held accountable, and part of the revenue collected should be directed towards improving the facility's sanitary conditions.
Failure to address these issues could lead to an escalation in health risks for the people of Lafia and a further deterioration of trust in local governance.
