The Rivers State
Government has threatened to close down the Eleme Abattoir over poor hygienic condition.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nyema Weli handed down the threat when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Abattoir, during this month’s environmental sanitation exercise.
Weli also gave one week ultimatum to the butchers to remove all tyre residues from the Abattoir and also the use of water from the Aleto creek which is already polluted to wash meat slaughtered in the abattoir.
He said that the lives of the people of Eleme and others who consumed meat being slaughtered  at the abattoir are in danger, stressing that the government would no longer fold its hands and watch people flout the environmental laws of the state.
Weli also told them not to see the threat as a witch-haunting exercise, as government is interested in their welfare and the health of others who depend on the abattoir for their daily meat consumption.
In an interview with newsmen, Dr Weli said since the operation of an abattoir is under the jurisdiction of the local government council, the ministry is involving the Eleme Local Government Council to find solution to the problem.
According to him, the ministry is arranging a meeting between it, the council and the butchers association next week in Port Harcourt to find solution to the problem.
Meanwhile, Dr Weli has said that the government would no longer condone a situation where people go about their businesses during sanitation exercise.
He said that the exercise is for the good of the society and therefore must be obeyed, warning that anyone who flouted the order will be arrested and prosecuted.

Chairman, Catholic Education Board, Port Harcourt Diocese, Rev Fr Joseph Kabari (left), chatting with the Principal, Holy Rosary College, Port Harcourt, during the school’s 2014 inter-house sports competition in Port Harcourt, last Saturday. Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken.