The high cost of establishing a modern slaughterhouse poses a significant challenge for the government, which is looking to relocate aging abattoir facilities and train workers for overseas employment opportunities. Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, emphasized that creating a new, state-of-the-art facility necessitates substantial investment.
“Building a modern, high-tech slaughterhouse or abattoir is typically very expensive,” he stated, underscoring the necessity to adhere to stringent standards akin to those upheld by contemporary meat processing facilities.
Growing concerns related to the current slaughterhouse sites in Nakasi and Vuda have spurred increased calls for their relocation. Tunabuna noted, “We have endeavored to enhance the slaughter facilities while addressing issues surrounding waste recycling and the unpleasant odors associated with our existing infrastructure in Nakasi.”
The proposed new facility would extend beyond meat processing capabilities, serving a national purpose by also functioning as a training center for prospective workers. “We aim to utilize the new slaughter facility as a training hub for those seeking employment,” said Tunabuna. The training will prepare workers for opportunities abroad, specifically in countries such as Australia, aligning with the required standards for the labor mobility scheme.
Acknowledging the loss of local laborers, he added, “If we can furnish skilled workers, we may be able to secure better returns.” The minister emphasized the importance of consulting with the Ministry of Lands to identify the most suitable site for the new slaughterhouse.
This initiative not only addresses the immediate infrastructural challenges but also opens up pathways for skilled labor, thereby enhancing employment opportunities both domestically and internationally.