After enduring almost three years of inactivity, the city abattoir is set to be completely repaired by November month end.
This follows an incident that occurred on February 27, 2020, when a crane owned by John Fernandes Limited collapsed onto a portion of the abattoir’s roof, resulting in substantial damage.
The incident left the abattoir in a state of disrepair, with damage extending to the roof and walls of the building. Further, the roof of the slaughtering chambers was severely compromised. As a direct consequence, slaughtering activities have remained at a standstill ever since, impacting local businesses and meat supply chains.
The roof has since been repaired by John Fernandes Limited, however additional works are expected to be undertaken by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to enhance the state and sanitary condition of the abattoir so that slaughtering could resume.
On Monday, at the M&CC statutory meeting, a proposal was approved by the council to have these works start as soon as possible in an effort to bring the much-needed facility back into operation.
The shutdown of the city abattoir has affected the local meat industry. On August 5, 2022, Stabroek News had reported that butcher shops around Georgetown, were forced to use abattoirs at Diamond, Plaisance and Blankenburg, to have animals slaughtered. There-after, they must travel to Water Street to have the meat inspected and stamped. The butchers have complained that this process is time-consuming and costly.
According to the City Engineer, Colvern Venture, minor works have already begun on the building, however upgrading of the office spaces, sanitary areas and blocks of the abattoir are also to be done.
