By Ramesh MathewStaff Reporter
Several thousands of kilos of slaughtered cows and lamb were given away free to the poorer sections in the society at various distribution points set up by Qatar Meat and Livestock Distribution Company (Mawashi) yesterday as part of the first day of the Eid celebrations.The free distribution of meat was a big relief indeed to the poorer sections as the prices of buffalos and lamb had hit the roof on the eve of the festival. After Eid al-Adha prayers, long queues of those coming to collect meat could be seen at the company’s distribution points besides its main compound near the vegetable market. Inquiries at the main point in Abu Hamour found that people had reached the place from even far-flung areas even though arrangements had been made at different points, spread across the country.There was no upper ceiling on the quantities of meat that could be collected by each person from the distribution points, inquiries found. People of different nationalities, both Asians and Arabs, were seen returning from some of the points, carrying bags filled with slaughtered meat.According to Mowashi officials, this year’s free distribution of meat amounted to several millions of riyals.From early in the morning, scores of people were seen arriving at the main distribution point in Abu Hamour with live cattle in their pick-up vehicles, which in turn were given free to the company. The company slaughtered the animals in its facility and also supplied it free to the needy, who lined up in front of its numerous counters.Sources said this year’s supply surpassed all previous records. The exact quantities of supply and the number of beneficiaries would be known only after a few days when the company receives records from all 10 points.Inquiries found that lamb meat had maximum demand at most locations.