THE Livestock and Fisheries Development Department in Dodoma City Council has set aside at least 380m/-to construct a modern pig abattoir in the area.
In an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News’, the Head of the Department, Dr Gratian Mwesiga said at least 100 acres of land had already been acquired in Kizota area, ready to undertake the key project.
“Absence of the said abattoir poses a great challenge to pork consumers, that’s why we are working round the clock to ensure the facility is constructed,” he said.
As per the Animal Disease Act (2003), all animals meant for public consumption are supposed to be slaughtered at their official abattoirs after being inspected by relevant vets.
Recently, Tanzania Meat Board (TMB) slapped a ban over consumption of uncertified meat in capital city and the country at large.
Currently, there is no any certified, neither official pig abattoir in Dodoma region, a situation which keep pork consumers in the region at a risk of getting serious health problems.
Speaking under condition of anonymity, a high profile Livestock Officer in the region noted that pork contains high concentration of tape worms, adding that, consuming it with the worms (cysticecus cellulose), becomes dangerous as it can damage human brain system and result into serious mental illness.
“The situation is very risky, there is an urgent need for the authority to see how best and fast a pig abattoir can be constructed in order to avert serious health diseases, which are likely to affect the people in the city,’’ he added.
Moreover, the expert said that eating uncertified meat was more dangerous basing on the fact that some animals (including pigs) become sold, though slaughtered while under drugs dozes.
“Principally, any animal under drug doze must stay for at least 14 to 30 days to allow drugs to work before being slaughtered and consumed. Therefore, you can see how important it is for any meat to be inspected and certified before going to consummers,’’ he added.
