by Daniel Pemberton
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy on Monday signed a contract for the reconstruction of the National Abattoir.
The contract, awarded to local company, Regional Contractors Inc. is valued at EC$5, 004, 133.03 and will be implemented over a 12-month period.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Hon. Roland Royer said the project was another indication of Government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security.
“Investment in this new abattoir is not made in isolation. The government has targeted investment along the livestock value chain to ensure that the necessary ecosystem is created to enable the sustainable development of the livestock sector,” he asserted, pointing to the purchase of animal feed distributed among 80 pork and poultry producers, the purchase of 18,000 broiler chicks distributed among 45 poultry farmers and the purchase of materials for the construction of resilient pens at a cost of XCD 7.3 million dollars.
“The National Abattoir is a key component of that value chain which aligns with the Government’s broader vision to reduce the importation of meat and meat products while encouraging the consumption of wholesome locally produced products,” he added.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Hon. Roland Royer
Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, in his remarks, outlined Government’s record of investment in the agriculture sector.
“Government’s capital investment in agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy for this fiscal year is estimated at 47.5 million dollars. We are projecting that at least another 265 million will be spent,” he noted.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the contract signing highlights Government’s policy to increase production within the sector and contribute to national food security.
“This is yet another major intervention in our efforts to bolster agricultural production in Dominica, assure us of our food security and our ability to reduce on our food import bill, and ensure that we provide fresh meats to our population.
“This is a major investment of $5 million in terms of construction and another $1.4 million in equipment so we are talking about $6.4 million,” the Prime Minister said.
The National Abattoir, which was constructed in 2012, was battered by Hurricane Maria with recommendations that the total reconstruction of the poultry slaughterhouse and rehabilitation of the pork slaughterhouse would be more cost-effective than frequent repair works.
