RSG Threatens To Shut Non Environment-Friendly Abattoirs

The Rivers State Govern
ment has threatened to close down any abattoir in the state that fails  to adhere to laid down standard and procedure in meat processing for the health of the people.
The Commissioner for Environment, Professor Roseline Konya issued the threat during a tour of some abattoirs in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Eleme local government areas during last weekend’s environmental sanitation exercise in the state.
She said that the unhygienic practices in some of the Abattoirs have put the health of Rivers people at risk and warned that government will not fold its hands while the health of the people are being endangered.
The commissioner particularly warned the operators of the Aleto abattoir to desist from using vehicle tyres to roast meat as well as washing of slaughtered animals in the muddy Aleto Creek which flows  from Indorama to the river.
At the Trans/Amadi abattoir, the commissioner warned the management of the Abattoir against flouting government directive on environmental sanitation, adding that, it is compulsory for all residents of the state irrespective of their state of origin to participate in the monthly sanitation exercise.
The commissioner also said that the ministry will continue to mobilize the people to clean their surroundings adding that it would hold market leaders across the state accountable for any form of unhygienic practices in their markets.
Also speaking, the state Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Oliver Wollugbom called for attitudinal change by the people.
He also urged the 23 local government councils in the state to mobilize people at the grassroot for regular sanitation exercises.