KARACHI, Nov 20: The city government has decided to build three more slaughterhouses in the city to cater to the growing need of meat.

In view of the insufficient number of slaughterhouses, the veterinary department of the city government has proposed establishment of the three slaughterhouses on BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis.

The sites selected for the proposed facilities are Baldia Town (on RCD Highway) Gadap Town (on Super Highway) and Site Town (Manghopir Road).

An official of the city government’s agricultural department told PPI that the slaughter house at North Karachi would be shifted to some other place and merged with the slaughter house to be built on BOT basis. The proposal, he added, was agreed upon by City Nazim Naimatullah Khan and the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry at a meeting held a few days back.

The city government’s revenue department would select the land suitable for the new slaughterhouses for which the EDO (Revenue) has been asked to identify five-acres pieces of land in the three towns.

Since a cattle market is vital for every slaughter house, it has been proposed that a two-acre portion of each slaughter house would be spared for the purpose and given under the concerned town administration for developing the market. The veterinary department is working out estimated cost of the facility in consultation with the works and services officials, he added.

At present, there are only two slaughterhouses functioning in the city, one at North Karachi and another, a temporary one, in Landhi.

CONDITIONS: The Pakistan Medical Association, Karachi chapter, has urged the city government to take measure for an improvement in the conditions at slaughterhouses on scientific lines to ensure hygiene.