The North West Development Authority (MIDENO) has officially handed over a state-of-the-art animal slaughter house to the Bamenda City Council, marking a significant leap in the region’s agricultural infrastructure. The transfer, which took place on February 10, 2026, was executed under the Livestock and Fisheries Development Project (LIFIDEP). Funded by the Government of Cameroon in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the project aims to modernize the livestock value chain, ensuring that the population has consistent access to hygienic and high-quality meat products.
Spanning over 1,750 square meters at Manka’a–Mandah, the facility is a comprehensive complex designed for multi-species processing. It features a modern lairage for animal holding, advanced waste disposal systems, and a fully equipped slaughter hall with dedicated lines for cattle, sheep, and goats. A standout feature of the complex is a separate building dedicated entirely to poultry, equipped with specialized stations for bleeding, scaling, and splitting. Strict hygiene is maintained through an integrated water system that supplies both hot and cold water via overhead tanks to all processing tables.
During the handover ceremony, MIDENO General Manager Cletus Anye Matoyah emphasized that as the project migrates into its second phase, the effective utilization of these structures is paramount. He noted that the decision to place the facility under the City Council’s jurisdiction ensures it remains a public asset capable of serving not just Bamenda, but neighboring towns as well. To ensure long-term success, MIDENO has committed to providing continuous technical support and training for council staff to master the newly installed machinery.
Bamenda City Mayor Achobong Tambeng Paul hailed the facility as a technological milestone that far surpasses the city’s previous manual slaughtering methods. Unlike the old system which relied on handheld knives, the new plant introduces mechanized skinning and processing equipment. This shift toward automation is expected to drastically improve the quality of meat distribution, with the Mayor revealing ambitious plans to parcel and export meat to other urban centers, thereby generating essential revenue for the facility’s maintenance.
Despite the technological advancement, stakeholders identified the hygienic transportation of beef to local markets as a remaining challenge. In response, MIDENO has made it a priority to provide the City Council with a specialized meat van to maintain the cold chain and food safety standards. Furthermore, plans are underway to rehabilitate the road networks surrounding the facility to ensure seamless logistics. This holistic approach to infrastructure, equipment, and transport positions Bamenda as a burgeoning hub for the modern livestock industry in Cameroon.
By Louis Kinyuy
