Plans to upgrade abattoir to keep pace with demand

The expansion project is aimed at upgrading the abattoir's capacity up to 70,000 heads of cattle every year with an average of 150 heads of cattle per hour, according to Dr Omar Ahmed Abd Al Hamid, Head of the Veterinary Services Unit at the abattoir.

"As part of the upgrading plan, the municipality has purchased two new refrigerators with a capacity of 300 heads of cattle each following an agreement with a private firm specialised in equipping abattoirs," he noted.

Speaking about the abattoir's working hours, he said that it opens for public from 6am to 10pm, and from 10pm to 6am for commercial companies.

He noted that the abattoir, established in 1978, is considered one of the most prominent abattoirs across the country with a capacity to handle 60,000 heads of cattle per year including cows, sheep, camels, among others.

"Specialised veterinary doctors check out the cattle on regular basis, and various precautionary procedures are taken by the abattoir's staff to maintain the quality of meat and verify whether the procedures abide by the municipal regulations and laws," he said.