adminWimbainashe Zhakata Mutare Correspondent
THE Dairy Services Unit (DSU) needs $15 000 to repair machinery at its Mutare and Chipinge outlets which have been out of order for years resulting in failure to carry out inspections of milk parlours.
In an interview with The Herald, DSU principal dairy officer Mr Addmore Waniwa confirmed the challenges that were faced by DSU in the production of dairy products.
He said nothing had been done in terms of inspection and repairing machinery in Mutare.
“We need about $15 000 to repair some of our machinery in Mutare and Chipinge districts. The problem is that there is no budget set for repairing machinery and procurement of chemicals.
“The issue of transport is also hindering our dairy production, hence the Department of Veterinary Services should prioritise the need of our resources,” he said.
The Auditor-General, Ms Mildred Chiri, recently released her report which showed that the Dairy Service Units in Mutare and Masvingo provinces were not carrying out inspections of milk parlours and testing the quality of milk.
This, she said, was in contravention of the Dairy Act (Chapter 18:08).
“The units were not fully capacitated as they did not have vehicles, refrigerator, cooler boxes, universal bottles, apparatus and consumables such as respirators.
“The health and safety of the public may be compromised if they consume dairy products which are not tested and approved by the Dairy Services Unit,” the report notes.
Online Reporter