The slaughterhouse has been closed due to lack of an operating license and working under unhygienic circumstances.
The Ukonga-Mazizini Abattoir, which has been in business since 1972, was finally closed down last week.
Dr. Terezya Kavishe, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Environment), described the abattoir as operating in the filthy surroundings.
Dr Kavishe said despite the fact that the abattoir has been in running for quite awhile it lacked a valid license from the Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) and environment certification from National Environment Management Council (NEMC).
“Any industry operating in the country needs to have a license from both TFDA and NEMC as per the country’s statutory requirements,” Dr Kavishe said.
Early last month the abattoir was closed by NEMC following the claims that it was threatening public health.
One of the owners, Lusinde Ngosi, said they were waiting to clear up all the logistics requirements as part of the NEMC and TFDA certification requirements.
The abattoir is surrounded by scattered horns and dirty running water mixed with animal excrement, that runs into pathways. There has also been a constant foul smell hovering over the area.
According to Dr. Kavishe, owners of the business will be required to compensate residents living around the area and stop any activities related to slaughtering of animals.
The residents around the area claimed that both the NEMC and Ilala Municipal council has been too lax, saying they two mandated organizations hasn’t been acting on their complainants and therefore making their lives at risks.
In recent months, Dar es Salaam has seen the closure of several plastic and drinking water industries that were found to be operating in filthy surroundings. This poses danger to employees and the neighboring residents.
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