13 May 2013

The Department of Veterinary Services(DVS) has revoked Boteti Sub-district council abattoir licence indefinitely. 

The senior assistant council secretary, Mr Motshwariemang Matseka said the decision came after the department identified some defects and took the decision to suspend the facility from operating. The abattoir was shut down on April 26.

Mr Matseka said the closure had impacted negatively on butcheries and consumers as there was shortage of meat in Letlhakane. Mr Matseka said the kraal was not up to the set standard, adding that the walls and floor of the abattoir also needed maintenance.

Furthermore, Mr Matseka said the facility was also experiencing water shortage due to constant power cuts. He said power cuts also affected the slicing of carcasses as the abattoir used electric equipment.

Mr Matseka said the council had submitted a maintenance plan to the DVS for consideration, adding that he was optimistic the plan would be approved. He admitted that the abattoir was not well maintained as per the set standards.

He, however, stressed that the council would not carry out any major maintenance works on the facility as plans were already advanced to construct a better facility in partnership with Karowe Diamond Mine. 

Mr Matseka said the mine had already contributed its share of over P3 million towards the project. Mr Geoffrey Bogopa of Farmer’s Butchery said the closure had affected his cash flow.

“If the situation is prolonged, my employees at the butchery and the farm will also feel the pinch as they will be insufficient cash to pay their salaries.” He added that it had not been easy to meet customers demands, adding that the best solution was for council to privatise the facility. ENDS