Katima Mulilo:Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced that the government will soon dispatch a delegation to address the challenges faced by the Katima Mulilo abattoir.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare made this announcement in the National Assembly while responding to urgent questions from Swapo Party MP John Likando. Likando raised concerns about unpaid workers and livestock producers by the new operator, Zambezi Meat Corporation (Zamco).

Ngurare confirmed that his office, along with the ministry and the Office of the President, have received correspondence about the issue. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the government has already outlined timelines for addressing these concerns.

He further assured that a delegation will be formed soon to visit Katima Mulilo and tackle the problems. Likando highlighted that workers have gone unpaid for two months and about 220 livestock farmers have also not received payments, with their cattle stuck in quarantine.

He stressed the importance of livestock production in the Zambezi Region, noting it accounts for about 40% of livelihoods. Likando urged the prime minister's intervention due to the critical nature of the crisis.

The Katima Mulilo abattoir operations were transferred from Meatco to Zamco in July 2026 for a five-year term, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform's approval. Meatco had managed the facility since 2021, serving northern communal area cattle producers.