Judex seeks funds to reopen F/town abattoir
Chakalisa Dube | Wednesday April 30, 2014 12:44
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) closed the abattoir in 2011 after it was found that it does not meet the required standards to operate.
Last month, the Francistown City Council (FCC) announced that Judex Ventures, a 100 percent wholly citizen owned company, has won an open tender to lease the abattoir for a duration of 20 years.
Until it won the tender to lease the abattoir Judex’s scope of work has been limited to building construction, maintenance and security services. Judex managing director Harry Moloi told Mmegi Business that they are not certain when they will begin operating the multi species abattoir facility, which is located at the old Francistown Industrial area.
“We are currently assessing the abattoir structure with the assistance of experts in various fields to find out how much it will finally cost the company to bring the structure back to operation. “This structure has been closed for quite a long-time and as such a lot of damage has been done through vandalism and otherwise which explains why we are uncertain when we will begin operating,” Moloi said.
Moloi would also not give the exact time when Judex will begin renovating the facility or when maintenance costs assessment will be completed. He however explained that the company is currently working with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) to ensure that all that is necessary for the facility to operate efficiently is put in place during maintenance.
Once operational, Moloi said that the company will create permanent jobs to nearly 30 people. These people will be in the category of skinners, office assistants, abattoir managers and maintenance managers as well as drivers.
“Outside expertise will be engaged as and when needed,” he added. The company is expected to pay the FCC P17,000 monthly for the 20-year duration of the lease.