Following a Cabinet directive to operationalise the dormant Rundu abattoir, renovations have been completed and a successful trial slaughter undertaken, the Meat Corporation of Namibia CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji has said.
The facility entrusted to Meatco by the government was intended to serve as a market for cattle and small-stock farmers in the two Kavango regions.
Originally scheduled for full operation by 2017, the construction of the N$110 million abattoir began in 2014.
However, financial limitations and subsequent delays prevented the timely completion of the facility and its subsequent commercial take-off.
According to a report by New Era in April, approximately N$80 million is required for the first six months of the facility’s operation.
“We are in the process of operationalising the Rundu abattoir. The final step remaining is the official handover of the facility from the ministry of agriculture. The dates for this event will be announced soon,” Mushokabanji said in a recent interview with this paper.
With a capacity to slaughter approximately 100 cattle per day, the facility aims to significantly strengthen the cattle and beef value chain in the northern communal areas (NCAs).
Moreover, it will facilitate export to various markets, including Angola, Ghana and the Middle East.
Mushokabanji further emphasised that the company’s primary objective is to prioritise the satisfaction and success of farmers, as they play a vital role in the continuous supply of cattle to the abattoir, ultimately ensuring the sustainability of the business.
“The key to maintaining the viability of an abattoir lies in ensuring that farmers are actively engaged in their business. Our focus is to optimise the returns for farmers, making it advantageous for them to produce and supply livestock to Meatco. This aspect holds tremendous significance.”
He added: “These fundamental principles serve as the cornerstone of our business management approach. We are committed to upholding them”.