05 Apr 2016

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Lucara Diamond, Mr William Lamb has hailed the newly built abattoir in Letlhakane.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony of the abattoir in Letlhakane on Monday, he said it would improve the quality of health among Boteti residents.

Mr Lamb said by upgrading the abattoir from a small scale to a medium scale abattoir, Karowe Mine has enhanced the quality as well as the standard of health among the community.

This, he said, was encouraging because the company has invested in a project that was a necessity to the community.

He said the project, which was funded through a partnership between Lundin Foundation, the Central District Council (CDC) and Lucara/Karowe Mine to the tune of P10.5 million, had a significant impact on the community.  Mr Lamb said the project was the beginning of a partnership that the company and the community would continue nurturing.

For his part, Boteti Sub-district Council senior assistant council secretary, Mr Onthatile Molelu appreciated the project, noting that the Letlhakane abattoir started slaughtering only 15 cattle and 10 goats per day.

Mr Molelu said the abattoir was too small for the sub-district. 

The abattoir, he noted, has grown to medium capacity with the ability to slaughter 100 cattle per day as well as 32 goats/sheep per day.

He said as the CDC, they were mandated to generate revenue for the operation of councils, noting that they were expected to raise at least 10 per cent of their expenditure. He added that with projects such as the abattoir, they would be able to reach the target.

He also presented a new vehicle that would be used for the running of the abattoir.

Mr Molelu said 17 staff members of the abattoir, including the manager, have been trained.

Kgosi Barontshi Kegapetswe of Letlhakane commended Lundin Foundation and Karowe Mine, saying the project had built a good relationship with the people of Boteti.

Karowe Mine, he said, has honoured all its promises to the community, and that he still hoped for more from it. Ends