Lusaka Pork traders grieved over Pork Ban

Some Lusaka pork traders are grieved over the ban on movement and trade of pig and pork products in Lusaka Province. Meanwhile, Lusaka City Council (LCC) has called on all pork traders and dealers to cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Corporative and Livestock over the ban. SOME Lusaka pork traders are grieved over the ban on movement and trade of pig and pork products in Lusaka Province.
 
This was after the Minister of Agriculture, Corporative and Livestock, Bob Sichinga announced the ban explaining that the ban was due to an outbreak of  African swine flue.
 
One Lusaka City Market pork trader Florence Mulenga told the Lusaka Starin an interview that the ban would negatively affect her business.
 
Ms. Mulenga, who is a widow, complained that the ban would make things difficult for her because she earned her living from the pork business.
 
“The ban will mean no business for us. Some of us are widows and it is through this business that we are able to take care of our children,” she added.
 
Another trader Mary Zulu said the banning of pork and its products will have major impact on her business as pork is the most traded meat on the market.
 
“As you can see there are only a few tables where beef and other types of meat are being sold. This is because beef is scarce and expensive while pork is available and therefore cheap for the consumers,” she said.
 
Ms. Zulu added that she would not be able to pay her rentals and send her children to school.
 
“Two of my children are writing their grade nine exams this year and I have been trying to save part of my earnings from the pork business to buy them school requirement when they make it grade 10. The ban will mean I will not be able to save money and later on pay for my rentals,” she added.
 
The traders called on government to work on this problem within a shortest period of time.
 
Meanwhile Lusaka City Council (LCC) has called on all pork traders and dealers to cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Corporative and Livestock over the ban.
 
LCC acting public relations officer Mulunda Habeenzu said LCC was working hand in hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, Corporative and livestock in trying to make sure that the ban is effective.
 
Mr Habeenzu said LCC was in the process of drafting letters to all abattoirs in Lusaka requesting them to stop slaughtering pigs.
 
“After these letters are sent, we will make sure that we visit these abattoirs randomly for inspection in order for us to make sure they are obliging to our request. If any are found wanting they will face the law,” he added.
 
Mr Habeenzu however noted that the African Swine Flu which the pigs were believed to have was not transferable to people adding that it can have a huge impact on the country’s economy if not contained.
 
“What government is trying to do is to make sure that the disease is contained to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the country. Neglecting this problem can cause a lot of economic damage to most famers who deal in pigs and pork products,” he added
 
Mr Habeenzu has since called on farmers and pork processors to work with government.