SHILLONG: The abattoir complex constructed with crores of rupees in Mawiong has not many takers.
While the cattle section of the abattoir has regular work though less in quantity of animals, the sheep and hog sections are yet to start.
The sheep abattoir has gathered dust and some machines have shown signs of rusting.
The workers said they are planning to slaughter pigs for the first time at the hog section.
The abattoir funded by the government was constructed at a cost of Rs 22 crore by the Rapsang Group of Companies, Shillong, in collaboration with Real Growth Company, Chennai.
During a visit to the area on Friday, a worker at the abattoir, Bhabok Kharshiing told The Shillong Times that facilities to slaughter sheep/goat are there but no one comes to the abattoir.
He deplored that the machinery meant for slaughtering sheep has rusted as it is not utilised.
As for cattle slaughter, Kharshiing said the number of cattle slaughtered is about 15-20 during weekdays whereas the number increases to 25-30 on Saturdays.
The butchers will have to pay Rs 2 per kg meat as fee for the slaughter of cattle.
The hog abattoir section has not started yet but the machines are ready. The huge basin where the hog is cleaned using hot water was dotted with bird droppings.
There are 15 staff working at the abattoir and most of them are staying nearby.
Their work starts at 5 am and the animal slaughter is completed by 10 am. Later, cleaning of the slaughter house is done by the workers mid-day.
As for the workers, there is no problem in getting salary although the abattoir has been closed for one month due to the lockdown.
Water and electricity are indispensable for the better functioning of slaughter house.
“There is the problem of load shedding but we are managing with the generators”, he said.
The president, Khasi-Jaintia Butchers’ Welfare Association, Generous Warlarpih said that there is no problem with water as there are two water pumps and one is for standby.
Again, due to the lockdown and the generator lying unused, the battery of the generator will have to be replaced.
When asked whether the butchers are coming forward to have the animals slaughtered at the abattoir, he said that a few butchers do so while many others go elsewhere.
“Few people come here to get the animals slaughtered. Say around 10-12. Many go somewhere else”, he added.
With less butchers coming to the abattoir, Warlarpih said that the association can only appeal to other butchers to bring their cattle to the abattoir as many butchers prefer the previous slaughterhouses.
On the other hand, he said that an MoU was signed with the butchers to cooperate with regard to working together at the abattoir. Even though the MoU was signed, there were no takers.