SHILLONG: The non-availability of water has affected proper functioning of the over Rs 22-crore abattoir at Mawlai Mawiong.
During a visit to the area on Thursday, it was revealed that butchers were struggling to carry on with the work at the slaughter house due to the damage of the water pump since September.
The 10 members of Khasi-Jaintia Butchers Association, who are running the slaughter house since February this year, said the cattle are slaughtered and cleaned by purchasing water at their own expense, which is around Rs 62,000 per month.
Hence, the meat is supplied only in a limited quantity to the market, they said.
The delegation of butchers met the deputy chief minister in-charge Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Prestone Tynsong, but in vain.
Due to the scarcity of water, the butchers are not being able to slaughter pigs and goats though other facilities are adequate.
Besides the water scarcity, the cattle shed is too small and can accommodate only 400 animals.
Though there is a full-fledged administrative building, which also accommodates veterinary staff, the doctor does not stay there and health check-up of the animals is only done at Khanapara during the entry of the cattle to Meghalaya.
Two years ago, the building was completed by Rapsang Group of Companies, Shillong, in collaboration with Real Growth Company, Chennai.
