KOALA Abattoir has continued to offer assistance to many communal farmers in Zimbabwe, especially those in livestock production. Many of them have become accustomed to supplying cattle to the abattoir where they say prices for their cattle are irresistible. Koala is an abattoir for pork, beef and chicken and is situated along Seke Road. The place, which is usually a hive of activity has managed to capture the attention of communal farmers and the general public who depend on it for meat products. Owner of abattoir identified as Mr Swan said he decided to build an abattoir after realising that communal farmers wanted to sell their livestock at reasonable prices. Koala, he said, was efficient because it paid farmers cash on delivery. The abattoir buys cattle, pigs and chickens from farmers before reselling the meat to the general public. Mr Swan said paying farmers immediately upon delivery gave them an opportunity to plan better for the future. “The buying and selling of animals at Koala is different from the markets because the markets consume more time before processing the whole deal,” he said. “Koala does not take time in buying the produce because there is no bidding for the cattle.” Animals sold at Koala can be graded according to age and they are quickly slaughtered for Koala butcheries located on the premises. Mr Swan indicated that they were offering good prices to farmers because cash was quickly generated from their butchery outlets everyday. He encouraged farmers to sell calves in order to fetch more. “Calves generate more income for the abattoir because they produce quality meat which helps in paying the producers,” said Mr Swan. Koala has become a business centre for both the general public and farmers. Some farmers now bring vegetables, tomatoes and onions to sell to the numerous vendors at the place who in turn target consumers who flock to Koala. Besides farmers selling their produce, Koala has become a business centre. It offers different varieties of cheaper meat products because they buy straight from the farmers. Mr Swan clarified that vendors who sell at the place were allowed provided they had a licence from the city council. “The city council provides help by coming and checking whether the vendors operating there have licences,” he said. He pointed out that Koala abattoir provided transport for farmers selling their livestock. “It is difficult for some butchery owners to have contacts with the farmers, thus Koala took the advantage of providing safe transport and affordable reasonable prices for the farmers,” said Mr Swan.