The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) is set to establish an abattoir in Lupane in an effort to promote value addition on leather at the same time providing services and goods to the community.
BY SHARON SIBINDI
Speaking during the 23rd Nust graduation ceremony yesterday, acting vice-chancellor Samson Sibanda said in pursuance of carrying out its mission of developing Lupane leather value chain, the department of fibre and polymer materials engineering in partnership with a number of stakeholders, intends to establish an abattoir complex.
He said the centre will house a hide processing facility, light industry sub-units and training centre.
“The vision for Nust is to be an international centre of excellence in science and technology for sustainable development by 2025. It was for this reason that one of our departments, the department of fibre and polymer materials engineering, engaged rural communities on issues to do with value-addition and beneficiation of their fibrous materials, hides and skins included, to improve the quality of the leather products and hence contribute to improved lifestyles,” Sibanda said.
“Areas that have been covered include Gwanda where the department has registered the first rural co-operative named Octagon Co-operative. This co-operative is producing school shoes and those for miners in surrounding areas. At the other centre in Lupane members have been trained in hide preservation.”
