Councillors debate over donkey abattoir

Bulawayo City Councillors have embarked in a serious debate over the consideration of the opening of the donkey abattoir in the city in which they have reservations that the com[any was likely to have negative impact to the city.

Councillor Gideon Mangena referred to a recent newspaper report which highlighted the imminent establishment of a donkey abattoir in one of the City's suburbs.

He sought clarification on the origin of this development as no such application had been brought to Council for an appropriate permit or licence in terms of the relevant legislative provision.

"Consumption of donkey meat was alien and there was a public outcry on this development," reads the latest council minutes.

Concurring Councillor Silas Chigora pointed out that the abattoir in question was located outside the city's jurisdiction and enquires on this development should probably be directed to Umguza Rural District Council.

He agreed that the matter was of concern to residents of Bulawayo who were likely to be affected one way or the other by this development as consumption of donkey meat was taboo locally.

"The matter should be investigated and the development monitored to ensure protection of Bulawayo Residents against the effects of the activities of the abattoir," reads the minutes.