In a bid to promote quality meat and hygiene, the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA), Wednesday handed over a newly constructed slaughtering abattoir to the communities of New Yundum, Busumbala and Farato.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Ebrima Cham, Director of Technical and Field Services of the agency, said the GLMA was established by an Act of Parliament in 2009 and started effective operation in 2010.
The purpose of establishing the agency was to promote commercialization and marketing of livestock, as well as to facilitate the active participation of Gambians, he said.
According to Cham, GLMA, which has the potential to employ average Gambian youths, is a lucrative business in the sub-region.
He challenged Gambian youths to take up the venture, which, he said, is very productive in the future.
Babucarr Ceesay, a member of the council of elders of Yundum, on behalf of the beneficiary communities, expressed satisfaction with the construction of the slaughtering abattoir in their communities.
Seedy Dem, President of the Association of Anti-Cattle Rustler, said the construction of the slaughtering abattoir for the various communities would not only help them, but would also reduce the issue of cattle theft.
He challenged the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the facility.
He used the opportunity to thank the management of the GLMA and the Gambia Police Force for supporting them in the fight against cattle theft in the country.
Dr Demba Jallow, Director General of the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency, hailed the alkalo of New Yundum and the village development committee for their cooperation during the implementation of the project.
The abattoir belongs to the community of New Yundum, and therefore they should take ownership and ensure its sustainability, he said
Dr Jallow used the occasion to commend President Yahya Jammeh for supporting the agency in executing its mandate while calling on the butchers, and cattle dealers to be law-abiding.
