Residents calls for the relocation of the abattoir

FOUL smell accompanied by noise emanating from the Ukonga based abattoir popularly known as 'Mazizini' in Swahili language, have been regularly inconveniencing the lives of residents of Markaz area at Ukonga ward, in Ilala district in Dar es Salaam region who lives close to it, Some interviewed residents have said that, noise of workers at the abattoir which starts at around mid night while people are in deep sleep in their houses has been inconveniencing them. Together with this habit, the bad smell emanating from what is likely to be a rotten flesh have together been disturbing them in their day-to-day's life The persisting situation has caused scores of residents not to tolerate with the situation and instead, they have asked for the immediate relocation of the abattoir which has been existing for over four decades now. The abattoir which is the oldest and the longest serving as a slaughter house for the entire Dar es Salaam residents, is surrounded by residential houses built in recent years and its current location is extremely situated at the centre which according to the environmental management regulations its presence is likely to pose serious heath hazards to the people close to it. In an interview with this paper, residents have pleaded for its relocation to a far remote area as the smell of the rampant filth and scattered rubbish which is left uncollected within its compound are a great menace to their lives in general. Othman Iddi a businessman whose house is closer said that, he is not happy especially during evening hours when the atmosphere is cool, but all of a sudden the air is polluted with stinking smell coming from the direction of the abattoir. Other presidents said, they had long been complaining about the situation and have sent their requests several times whenever they meet with their street chairman and ward secretary, but in vain. Despite of these requests, it seems as if the city council officials have ignored their matter. When contacted for comments, an official of the union owners of the abattoir Mr. Kedmond Chalo, said that, they had long been told by the municipal council's authorities about the relocation of their abattoir, but plans have not yet been worked out almost a decade ago. However, an official from the Ilala Municipal council who preferred anonymity when contacted for comments defended himself as he is not a spokesman of the council. However, he revealed that the council was making preparations for the construction of a modern abattoir to be built at Chanika on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city.