Butchers at the Buipela Abattoir in Tamale are urging the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and government authorities to urgently renovate their deteriorating facility, citing growing public health concerns.
The butchers say the abattoir, located near the community dam that serves Buipela and parts of the Zongo area, has suffered years of neglect, leaving it in unsanitary condition and unsafe for meat processing.
The facility’s makeshift stalls, built over a decade ago, are now worn out, with torn protective nets allowing houseflies to swarm around exposed meat. The butchers fear the unhygienic environment could lead to contamination and possible disease outbreaks.
Ibrahim Safianu, the Chief Butcher at Buipela, provided insight into their daily challenges, stating, “Each day, we strive to keep the abattoir clean and safe. However, the presence of broken stalls and numerous flies makes it a continuous struggle. Our greatest fear is that if no action is taken, this situation could lead to outbreaks of disease.”
Another butcher, Abdul-Karim Torfiq, added that many customers now avoid the abattoir due to its poor state.
“Customers have begun to avoid the abattoir due to its current condition. It is imperative that we establish a modern and hygienic facility to restore confidence in our offerings.”
Appeals for Support and Funding Challenges
Chairman of the Buipela Butchers Association, Alhaji Abdul-Karim Alhassan, said several appeals to the assembly have been met with funding excuses.
“We have contacted the assembly multiple times, but we were told there is no money to fix the abattoir. As a result, the facility continues to deteriorate. Flooding during the rainy season disrupts our work and damages the stalls,” he stated.
He added that butchers have begun producing their own blocks to support reconstruction efforts, but need government or donor support to complete the work. He emphasized that they “are not lazy or complacent,” but need support to complete renovations as they cannot do it “alone.”
The current state of the Buipela abattoir raises significant concerns for both food safety officials and local community members.
A local resident, Fatima Issah, expressed her concerns: “I purchase meat from Buipela due to its affordability; however, I am apprehensive about the presence of flies and dirt. I sincerely hope the authorities will take prompt action to ensure our safety.”
Assembly’s Response and Future Plans
In response to the concerns raised by the butchers, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, under the leadership of Mayor Alhaji Abu Takoro, has recognized the validity of their grievances. The assembly is currently in the process of formulating a comprehensive proposal aimed at addressing the challenges faced at the Buipela abattoir, as well as other slaughterhouses within Tamale.
Mayor Takoro stated, “We acknowledge the issues at hand and are diligently working on a renovation plan. However, securing the necessary funding may take time, and we ask for the community’s patience during this process.”
He further assured the community that the assembly is actively exploring potential partnerships and funding opportunities to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.
For the butchers at Buipela, the renovation of their facility is not solely about enhancing working conditions; it is also vital for safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring the health and safety of those they serve.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Noah Nash Hoenyefia
