"Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture is only mandated to inspect and control export abattoirs, while the Ministry of Local Government owns and regulates the local abattoirs. This arrangement has resulted in different standards at export and local abattoirs," Swartz explained. He added that the different standards compromised the nation's health, as locally consumed meat was not inspected to the higher standards.

The Bill stipulates that no person shall operate an abattoir unless the abattoir is registered by the Director of Department of Animal Health and Production, which means that all abattoirs, including those that are operating, will need to be registered after the Bill has been passed. "To be registered abattoirs will be inspected and will only be registered if they meet the requirements for wholesome slaughter and processing of livestock," Swartz said.

There is also provision for control and inspection of poultry abattoirs, which was not included in the existing Act. This is expected to facilitate the development of the poultry industry as well as protecting consumers. "Through this Bill, export poultry abattoirs can be established, which is an important addition realising the rapid development of this industry and limited domestic market."

The Bill is also intended to regulate the transportation of livestock and meat ensuring that any person transporting meat observes appropriate hygiene requirements.

Swartz told the House that the Bill would achieve positive results such as safe products for consumers, promotion of the industry and engagement and facilitation of the private sector in public health and abattoir inspection.

Supporting the Bill, Minister of Education and Ngamiland MP Jacob Nkate urged Government to rebuild the collapsed fence that separates cattle from buffalos in his area. Nkate said that could take his people on board and benefit from the meat industry. He was concerned about shortage of resources for veterinary officers, saying they travel long distances without transport.

MP for Palapye Boyce Sebetela also supported the Bill but was doubtful if the current manpower would cope with the workload. Sebetela said there was an acute shortage of veterinary officers in the Serowe/Palapye District "to the extent that they can't attend to minor animal diseases". However, Sebetela advised the minister to go and clarify some of the clauses in the Bill that he said were confusing.

MP for Letlhakeng West Filbert Nagafela called on Government to reduce the Ministry of Local Government's workload, saying it was overwhelmed. He suggested that all meat and livestock related issues should be handled at the Ministry of Agriculture.

MP for Boteti North Lebonaamang Mokalake said some abattoirs in his area were unhygienic and should be regularly inspected. He said that the Bill was a positive move towards the safety of meat for public consumption. He also raised concern at the shortage of veterinary officers, saying the insertion of bolus was far behind schedule because of the problem.