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Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The construction of a modern abattoir in Arua city hangs in balance due to lack of funds.
The abattoir has not undergone any major renovation since it was constructed over 20 years ago. It lacks a drainage system, running water system and electricity.
In 2017, the then Arua municipality secured funding of over 24 Billion Shillings from USMID to construct Iddi Amin road and build a modern abattoir, but the funds for the abattoir were diverted to complete the construction of the new Arua taxi park.
Since then, the new abattoir land located in River Oli ‘A’ Cell, Arua Central division has remained idle. According to an earlier plan by Arua municipality, the modern abattoir should have been constructed three years ago, but now the pressure of more animals and continuous wearing of the slaughterhouse requires immediate intervention.
Isaac Wanje, the Town Clerk Arua Central division said that they are seeking 2 Billion Shillings from the Uganda Support for Municipal Infrastructure Development-USMID to construct the abattoir.
According to Wanje, the Central division has already committed funds to fence off the two acres of land where the abattoir will be constricted. The land was procured at 200 Million Shillings from a resident in Oli ‘A’ Cell.
Khamis Muzaidi, the mayor of Arua Central division says since the abattoir is one of the main sources of local revenue for the division, it cannot be left to waste. Musaidi adds that efforts are already in place to ensure that before the end of the current financial year, works on the new modern city abattoir start.
According to records from the Veterinary department, over 40 heads of cattle and goats each are slaughtered in the Arua abattoir on daily basis.
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