The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA), in collaboration with AfriFood Links Project, has cut the sod for the construction of a modern water supply facility at the Tamale Abattoir to address persistent water challenges.
The facility, expected to be completed by the end of March this year, will comprise a rainwater harvesting reservoir and a direct connection to the Ghana Water Company Limited to ensure reliable and uninterrupted supply of water for operations at the abattoir.
The project, valued at about €35,000, is being funded by the European Union under the AfriFood Links Project, which is being implemented in 65 countries across Africa and Europe.
The Ghana component of the project is being led by Professor Amos Laar of the University of Ghana, among other team members.
Dr Issahaka Fuseini, a member of the AfriFood Links Project Team, who spoke on behalf of the team at the sod-cutting ceremony held on Thursday in Tamale, said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to transform urban food systems to make food production, handling and consumption safer, healthier and more nutritious.
He explained that the project sought to strengthen governance structures by promoting collaboration among multiple stakeholders within the food system, including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, butchers, traders and market actors.
Dr Fuseini noted that prior to the selection of the intervention, extensive multi-stakeholder engagement sessions were conducted in the metropolis, during which inadequate water supply at the abattoir emerged as one of the most critical challenges affecting hygiene, environmental health and meat quality.
He said addressing the water deficit would significantly improve sanitation standards, working conditions for butchers, and overall public health outcomes.
Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, the Mayor of TaMA, commended AfriFood Links and the European Union for the partnership and described the water situation at the Tamale Abattoir as a long-standing challenge confronting the Assembly.
“I know the challenges of our butchers are enormous, but one challenge that has been very unique and persistent is the issue of water. We are addressing the challenges one at a time, and we will ensure that the needs of our people are met,” he said.
Alhaji Takoro assured the butchers and other users of the facility of the Assembly’s commitment, and support from central government and development partners, to provide additional infrastructure and services to enhance their operations.
Hajia Alhassan Sumayatu, the TaMA Environmental Health Officer, said the water facility would help mitigate environmental and sanitation challenges at the abattoir, improve waste management practices and reduce health risks associated with meat processing.
Alhaji Baba Tolon, the TaMA Chairman of the Butchers Association, expressed gratitude to AfriFood Links and the European Union for the intervention, saying the project would ease the long-standing struggles of butchers and significantly improve hygiene and meat quality at the facility.
He expressed optimism that the completion of the project would contribute to safer meat production and improved livelihoods for those working at the abattoir.
Source : GNA
