Final question: We need to find the solution quickly.

Việt Nam•22/06/2024

It is known that from 2004 to 2022, there were four centralized livestock and poultry slaughtering facilities in Lao Cai city, located in four areas: Duyen Hai ward, Kim Tan ward, Lao Cai ward, and Van Hoa commune. However, the slaughtering facility in Van Hoa commune quickly closed after about a month of operation due to its remote location and difficult access, resulting in a lack of customers. The facility in Duyen Hai ward continued operating until 2012 before ceasing operations.

Regarding the Thanh Cong centralized livestock slaughterhouse (located next to Ngoi Dum stream) in Group 1, Kim Tan Ward, although it received relatively thorough investment, the local authorities have ordered it to cease operations since May 2023 due to its incompatibility with planning regulations and environmental pollution. Specifically, according to the veterinary hygiene inspection results dated May 12, 2023, by the Provincial Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, out of 17 evaluation criteria (according to the National Technical Standard on veterinary hygiene requirements for centralized animal slaughterhouses), the facility failed to meet 14 criteria, thus failing to obtain a veterinary hygiene certificate and having to cease operations.

Thus, in Lao Cai city, there is currently only one centralized slaughterhouse, owned by Ms. Phung Thi Hoa in Group 29, Lao Cai Ward, that is still operating.

Lesson 1: Widespread Unlicensed Operating Establishments

According to our investigation, although authorities have requested a temporary halt to slaughterhouse inspections due to inadequate infrastructure and veterinary hygiene conditions, the centralized slaughterhouse in Group 1, Kim Tan Ward, continues to operate nightly.

Regarding this issue, Ms. Doan Thi Ngoc, Chairwoman of the Kim Tan Ward People's Committee, said: Immediately after receiving instructions from the City People's Committee and notification from the veterinary agency, the ward government requested the centralized livestock slaughtering facility in Group 1 of Hoang Long Trading and Service Joint Stock Company to cease operations and find a new location to relocate. However, there is currently no suitable area in the ward for planning the construction of a centralized livestock and poultry slaughtering facility, and we must wait for the City People's Committee's planning approval.

Not only in Kim Tan ward, but most wards and communes in the city are facing difficulties due to the lack of suitable locations for constructing centralized slaughterhouses.

For example, the small-scale slaughterhouse in Group 29, Lao Cai Ward, owned by Ms. Phung Thi Hoa, is currently the only location where veterinary authorities are involved in inspection. However, this location is also facing difficulties related to planning issues. Specifically, according to relevant regulations of the livestock and veterinary industry, the geographical location, infrastructure, and well-invested, closed-loop process, along with trained workers, make this facility eligible to operate. However, according to the planning related to the construction industry and land use purposes, this facility faces obstacles, so despite being operational, the owner remains apprehensive about the possibility of being ordered to close at any time.

According to Mr. Pham Tuan Cuong, Head of the Economic Department of Lao Cai City, the biggest obstacle in building centralized livestock and poultry slaughtering facilities is the planning and attracting large enterprises to invest in building modern factories. However, choosing a suitable location that aligns with urban development planning, meets the criteria, and is still attractive enough to investors is very difficult due to a lack of land...

For example, the Thanh Cong centralized livestock slaughterhouse in Group 1, Kim Tan Ward, was previously approved for investment by provincial authorities and also expressed a desire to be allocated a new location for reinvestment and the construction of modern, well-organized infrastructure. However, the local authorities have not yet allocated land for the enterprise, leading to a situation where the business "wants to move but has nowhere to go."

Regarding the construction of large-scale, centralized facilities, more time is needed as the locality is actively reviewing the planning and has developed several feasible options. Lao Cai City is making a strong effort and is highly determined; it is estimated that it will take approximately two more years before businesses can invest in building a centralized slaughterhouse.
Mr. Pham Tuan Cuong, Head of the Economic Department of Lao Cai City

In reality, many small-scale livestock slaughtering points in Lao Cai city are located in residential houses with cramped spaces and inconsistent designs. Slaughtering activities are mainly carried out on the floor or in the yard; waste and wastewater are not treated and are discharged directly into the environment, causing pollution. Furthermore, most people involved in livestock slaughtering have not received training in hygiene and food safety… most importantly, these points are not subject to disease control by the authorities. However, to eliminate these slaughtering facilities, it is first necessary to establish a centralized slaughtering facility that meets regulations.

While centralized slaughterhouses have not yet been built, Lao Cai city needs to construct a temporary facility with adequate infrastructure, ensuring environmental standards and veterinary control. Along with this, it is necessary to strengthen inspections and resolutely close down small-scale livestock slaughterhouses located in residential areas; and strictly control the trade of animal meat in the area, especially in markets...

Source