It has been ten years since the multi-million dollar Abattoir was commissioned in New Amsterdam but to date, the building remains unused and has suffered various forms of vandalism while slaughtering continues to be conducted at an old derelict building which residents feel should be condemned.

Health Inspector Ackloo Ramsudh told the Guyana Chronicle that plans are on stream to repair the new edifice, by salvaging materials from the slaughter facilitiy that is currently being used.
“The old building is deteriorating rapidly and the cost to repair it will be very high. The Council has some materials there, especially the zinc sheets which are vandalized on a regular basis that can be removed and placed on the concrete building. Electricity can be installed, even as the security department ensures that the municipality’s property is protected. It is expected that during the first quarter of 2017, the repair of the abattoir will be a priority project with monies likely to be sourced from the Government subvention, which will be considered as capital works,” said Ramsudh.

He noted, that despite the dilapidated condition of the current slaughterhouse, there is access to potable water and staff readily available to carry out the required services, even as inspections are carried out to ensure that the meat is fit for consumption.
“The Municipal abattoir is a structure that provides an important service to the residents of this town and therefore, better attention will be given to upgrade it to a proper facility,” he said.

According to the health inspector, the new facility which was commissioned ten years ago has structural defects. Additional work is required on the entrance and access ramps for the animals- the latter of which is too steep and is without rails.
Because of the design of the ramp, persons can easily sustain injuries from the animals. In addition, he said although the animals may be tame, whenever they enter the environment they react aggressively and proper restraining measures must be put in place.

Further, it was expected that the current slaughter house would not be condemned but would be used instead as a holding pen , and there would be a connection to the two buildings via the ramp, making it easier for the animals to be slaughtered.
The $19.2M building, which was completed in April 2006, was an initiative of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, following pleas from citizens for an improved abattoir. Initially, the facility was expected to be state of the art but fell short on funding.
However, former Minister of Local Government Mr. Kellowan Lall, at the commissioning ceremony told the gathering that the facility could be upgraded with inputs from the private sector.