11 Apr 2018

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is aware that the Francistown City Council abattoir was leased for 20 years effective 23 July 2014 to Judex Ventures.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said the company renovated the abattoir but was not authorised to operate it because it did not put in place the effluent pre-treatment plant as required in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

Dr Venson-Moitoi explained that the abattoir was closed because the effluent discharged from it into the Water Utilities main sewer line and Shashe River did not comply with the Trade Effluent Agreement.

She stated that it was leased to Judex Ventures after an open bidding process, and that part of the conditions was that the company would renovate it and build a water and waste pre-treatment plant at its cost.

“The company was given a grace period of 12 months effective 23 July 2014 and thereafter pay monthly rental of P15 056.80 to Francistown City Council,” she said, stating further that the council was considering the request from Judex Ventures to extend the grace period by two years to provide for the waste water pre-treatment plant.

In addition, the minister said it was in the best interests of the council and the public that the abattoir complied with the environmental legislation, adding that it was therefore important for the abattoir to be properly renovated and to have facilities which would mitigate against environmental pollution.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said Judex Ventures was required as per the contract to renovate and make the necessary modifications to the plant to meet necessary requirements.

She said the contract was available for inspection at the Francistown City Council, but pointed out that it was not appropriate to take the contract before Parliament.

She said as a way forward, the ministry was exploring ways to support Judex Ventures to raise the P2.5 million required to construct a waste treatment plant.The MP for Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane had asked the minister to update Parliament on whether she was aware that the Francistown City Council abattoir was leased to a private entity who renovated it and was given a license to operate, but that the abattoir was immediately closed.

Mr Moswaane asked the minister to provide reasons for the closure and to state the financial implications of the action as well as whether it was in the best interests of the council to renovate the abattoir to meet waste water requirements.

He also wanted the minister to explain if the person who leased the abattoir was expected through the contract to renovate and meet waste water standard, adding that if so, the minister should furnish Parliament with the contract. Ends