Residents of Bugembe town council are demanding the relocation of the town council abattoir because of its filthy state. Bugembe town council abattoir is located in a residential area but lacks piped water and proper draining leading to the discharge of affluent into the environment. The area around the abattoir is filled up with a heavy stench from animal blood that is discharged into the open.
Some of the people affected by heavy stench from the abattoir are vendors operating at Kyabazinga market, who sometimes are forced to close their business due to the unbearable smell. Wilson Muwambi, the chairman Kyabazinga market vendors association wants the abattoir relocated far away to save vendors and residents from the heavy stench and diseases that may break out because of the poor waste disposal.
He says that whenever it rains running water carries clotted blood from the abattoir and deposits it in the market.
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David Kasolo has closed his three stalls that are located next to the abattoir since the onset of the rainy season in March. He says that he was forced to close business because the stench from the rotten animal blood and waste became unbearable. Peter Waiswa, a land lord close to the abattoir says that he has lost several tenants since the year begun due to the heavy stench from the filthy abattoir.
Charles Mugweri, the engineer Bugembe town council says that they have budgeted shillings 18 million to purchase land to relocate the abattoir but the money has not yet been approved by the council. He says that they are hunting for land close to a swamp.
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Steven Wante, Bugembe LC3 Chairman attributes the delay in approving the funds to local revenue collection in the 2011/2012 financial year. He is optimistic, the issue of the abattoir will be resolved in the planning budget meeting scheduled for early August 2012.
Moses Maganda, Jinja environment officer says that before the abattoir is relocated, a proper environment impact assessment should be carried out in order to relocate it in accordance with the environmental laws.
