|
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Livestock yard at slaughterhouse mulled
THE operation of a centralized livestock yard at the Cagayan de Oro City abattoir in Cugman is now being fast tracked.
After inspecting the site, City Council committee on health created a technical working group (TWG) chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya for the purpose.
The TWG is composed of City Treasurer Lino Daral, City Administrator-designate Estrella Sagaral, City Engineer Jorie Bingona, Acting City Veternarian, Perla de Asis, City Health Officer Dr. Jerie Calingasan, CEEMB chair Griscelda Joson and Engr. Isidro Borja of the CPDO.
It was learned that the construction of a livestock yard is one of the components of the city's contract with the Mega Farm, which is now operating the slaughterhouse on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme.
The BOT agreement includes the construction of buildings, improvement of equipment, water supply and waste treatment plant, among others.
According to Erwin See of Mega farm, the construction of the livestock yard, which would involve the construction of proper roofing, septic canal, canals and water facilities could be completed within 45 to 60 days.
The committee decided to push for the operation of a centralized livestock yard as a means to strengthen the city's anti-hot meat ordinance.
The committee noted that some meat shops do not avail of the services of the city abattoir, making it difficult for the City Veterinary Office to conduct and collect ante-mortem and post mortem inspection and fees.
"Ang tuyo mao nga mausa ra ang trading center sa mga mananap," Councilor Reynaldo Advincula said, adding that all meat products sold in the city should be certified fit for human consumption.
Advincula added that this would lighten the burden of the City Veterinary Office since all small livestock yards in Carmen, Lapasan, Puerto, Cogon and other places would be relocated there.
According to See the company would only impose minimal fees for the use of the livestock yard once it is completed.
He assured that fees would only cover cost of water, electricity, and security expenses.
"In principle, we do not foresee a need to charge substantial fee but just to recover cost of the improvements," he added.
The TWG would also study the proposal to allocate a space at the "AA" city abattoir for lechoneros.
According to reports, there are about 60 lechoneros in the city. But only a small percentage of their products are inspected at the slaughterhouse.
The City Veterinary Office conducted recently dialogues with lechoneros in order to tackle the matter.
Among those who joined the inspection were Councilors Ian Mark Nacaya and Advincula, Daral, Sagaral, Calingasan, de Asis and Borja.
Councilor and health committee chairman Simeon Licayan expressed his gratitude to concerned officials for their participation and cooperation to come up with a stronger campaign against hot meat.
(November 10, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
|
