Heavy rains stall slaughterhouse operations
Operations at the dilapidated slaughterhouse in Molo district was hampered Monday evening following heavy rains which virtually soaked the workers and the hogs they were butchering.
The roofing of the slaughterhouse is already dilapidated causing rainwater to pass through.
Rain water also flooded portions of the slaughterhouse as there are clogged drainage systems left unattended for years.
A butcher who asked not to be identified said the city government especially City Veterinarian Dr. Tomas Forteza could be blamed for the situation as he ordered the removal of the building's roofing eventhough the old slaughterhouse is still being used.
A new slaughterhouse is being constructed in Brgy. Tacas, Jaro but it is not yet known when it will be completed.
The source said it is very difficult for them to work every time heavy rains occur.
He added that is also hazardous as the working area is slippery and they are carrying sharp knives and heavy tools to slaughter the hogs. They could not also set fire to be used in heating the water.
The source said they have been suffering for quite a time now. The working condition and working place is not already conducive, he said.
It is dirty and proper hygiene is impossible to observe because of the dilapidated building and non- functional equipment acquired by the city government years ago, the source added.
Earlier, Mayor Jerry Treñas said the new slaughterhouse will start operation by end of 2006 but later it was moved to first quarter of 2007. It was not immediately known when the transfer takes place.