The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry in Namibia announced that the Oshakati and Katimo Mulilo abattoirs, whose doors were closed for 2 years, will reopen in the first quarter of 2018. This follows a draft act from the Ministry of Works and Transport for the rehabilitation of both abattoirs.
Meatco, which operated the abattoirs, ceased operations in 2015 after losses of close to N$43 million. The financial strain compelled the company to shut down the abattoirs. Furthermore, they announced that they would not renew their contract with the government.
Last year, the agriculture ministry identified 2 private companies – Zambezi Meat Corporation and Kiat Investments – to operate both abattoirs.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry Percy Misika said in a media statement that the department received the long-awaited bill of quantities for the Katima Mulilo and Oshakati abattoirs.
“Having received these documents, the Department of Agriculture, together with the Department of Works and Transport, can now start the processes of renovating and commissioning the abattoirs by using the existing procurement procedures,” Musika explained.
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“The abattoirs cannot begin operating right away as they are in need of major renovations”, said Chief Veterinary Officer in the department Dr. Milton Maseke.
Zambezi Meat Corporation, which will run the Katima Mulilo abattoir, and Kiat Investment, which will run the Oshakati abattoir, have signed lease agreements of 25 years, which may be extended.
“Our procurement management unit has received the bill of quantities, and will now begin the process of advertising for contractors. Once the bidders make submissions, we will begin the evaluation process,” said Maseke.
The advertising and evaluation process will take between 20 and 30 days. Our aim is to open the abattoirs within the first quarter of 2018, so work must begin immediately,” he added.
Sources:
https://www.namibian.com.na/63324/read/Govt-abattoirs-to-reopen-soon
https://www.newsghana.com.gh/namibia-receives-us1-1-million-for-abattoir-rehabilitation/
