Inauguration of new slaughterhouse moved to May 15
For several times, the supposed dry run and opening of the multi-million abattoir in Barangay Tacas, Jaro was stalled after the plumbing works inside the building has yet to be completed. The opening was again reset to May 15, 2008.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the dry run did not push through because of the delay in the plumbing works. The dry run was supposed to be held last April 20, 2008. It was decided that there will be no more dry run but the operation of the new slaughterhouse will start on May 15 after the inauguration.
Treñas said he already told City Veterinarian Tomas Forteza to make sure that the May 15 schedule would no longer be moved.
Treñas added Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap will arrive in Iloilo City for the inauguration of the slaughterhouse. Aside from Secretary Yap, it could not be ascertained on whether there are other officials to grace the occasion.
Though, earlier, there were reports that US officials are interested to see the project. They contributed in the building of the abattoir's waste water treatment plant.
The bigger budget for the construction of the slaughterhouse came from the agriculture department through its National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). The department has allocated P21 million for the project to cover the the Building A worth P6 million, P5.5 million for the holding pen, P5.5 million for waste water treatment facility and installation of hog line equipment which is P5.5 million.
The waste water treatment facility consists of a series of lagoons wherein waste water is filtered and finally recycled for other uses, while the holding pen is a waiting area for animals to be slaughtered.
As its counterpart, the city government bought the lot, built a road, boiler room and constructed a fence along the property.
While, Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr provided one electric generator worth P1.5 million. The city sought an P11 million soft loan from the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF) to complete the additional civil works, cattle line equipment and concreting of access road.