The Plateau House of Assembly has urged the state government to ensure strict inspection of animals at the abattoirs to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.

The house, presided over by its speaker, Naanlong Daniel, made the call after a motion of notice by Nanbol Daniel (LP/Langtang North-Central Constituency) during plenary on Wednesday.

Mr Daniel said the Plateau government, through its ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, Health and Information, should ensure the regular inspection of animals for slaughter, as it was crucial in detecting diseases or contaminants detrimental to human health.

“Some animals brought for slaughter are still on medication and not yet fit for consumption due to drug residues in their system, while others are brought in ill.

“However, due to inadequate inspection and the drive to generate revenue, these animals are still slaughtered, posing a health risk to the public,” he said.

The lawmaker said the government needed to provide the needed support to the inspectors to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.

Similarly, Abdul Yanga (APC/Mangu North) tasked the state government to ensure the animals at the abattoir were disease-free and fit for consumption.

Mr Yanga further called for a revamping of the state abattoir to a standard one.

Similarly, Theodore Maiyaki (APC, Quaan-Pan South) also raised a bill prohibiting the unauthorised logging of trees and the sale of firewood and charcoal in Plateau for commercial purposes.

The two bills raised passed the first reading and were adopted by the speaker.

The speaker appointed Gabriel Dewan (YPP/Pankshin North) as minority leader.

Mr Daniel (LP/Langtang North Central) was appointed the minority whip by the speaker, while he also reinstated the standing committees. 

(NAN)