ASHENEWS reports that the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) says it has spent over N1.5 billion to construct 20 modern slaughterhouses across Kano state.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Project Communication Specialist at KSADP, Ameen Yassar.
Funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihood Funds (LLF) in partnership with the state government, the project aims to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases that pose public health risks and also control animal diseases.
The slaughterhouses are located in Dawakin Tofa, Kunchi, Bichi, Gezawa, Tudun Wada, Kura, Rano, Bebeji, Wudil, Doguwa, Gabasawa, Gaya, Sumaila, Takai, Kabo, Shanono, Karaye, Kiru, and Gwarzo local government areas
According to the statement, KSADP’s State Project Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad stated this while speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Kano.
“The objective of this intervention is to guarantee the safety of meat, monitor animal diseases and control the spread of zoonotic diseases that impact public health”, the stated.
“As you are aware, the projects have been completed and should be put to use to avoid dilapidation or pilferage of the facilities provided in them”, the coordinator stated.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Abattoirs, Sani Rabi’u noted that the intervention seeks to guarantee the safety of meat, monitor animal diseases, and control the spread of zoonotic diseases that impact public health.
He further said that since the slaughterhouses are now completed, it is crucial to operationalize them immediately to avoid neglect and vandalization.
In their respective remarks, the Sarkin Fawar Kano, Isyaku Alin Muri and the Managing Director of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Dr. Farouk Ahmad, urged butchers to adopt global best practices to improve meat quality and hygiene.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to commence operations in the new slaughterhouses immediately while the KSADP and state government address minor repairs and replacement of vandalized facilities.
In addition to this, an operational management committee will be set up, and local government agricultural heads will partner with stakeholders to ensure the project’s long-term success.