XN000022-1972-12-11 — Page 2

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Monday, December 11, 1972

PLANS TO IMPROVE GOVERNMENT ABATTOIRS

Further Mechanisation Envisaged

The Government is to embark on a $10 million project to streamline

the operation of the two government abattoirs at Cheung Sha Wan and Kennedy Town.

The project will involve a further mechanisation of the existing

slaughter-line system and the installation of a third pig slaughter-line.

Special conveyor systems and extra water showers for carcases will

be provided and a fourth mechanical descender, designed to facilitate the

transfer of carcases, will be installed.

The modifications are aimed at further improving the efficiency of

the abattoirs, which are now seni-mechanised.

At present, two pig slaughter-lines operate simultaneously in the

two abattoirs though one of them was originally envisaged as a standby for

breakdowns, emergencies and overhaul purposes.

This tends to accelerate the general wear and tear of the lines

apart from depriving the abattoirs of any overhaul ability.

During festivals, the demand for pigs increases and this exerts a

tremendous pressure on the slaughter-lines.

With the completion of the third line, the total hourly output of

pigs is expected to increase from the present 420 to 630.

Commenting on the project, the Assistant Director (Abattoirs, Hawkers

& Markets) of the Urban Services Department, Mr. Augustine Chui Kam, said today:

"The project to be implemented in the Cheung Sha Wan and Kennedy Town Abattoirs

clearly reflects the Government's continued efforts to streamline the existing

abattoirs and to improve the supply of meat to local consumers."

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