By Thokozani Mazibuko
In a significant move following a catastrophic incident that resulted in extensive losses, Tesco Cash and Carry management has announced the opening of a new wholesale site next month.
This news comes on the heels of a devastating fire that ravaged their Matsapha facility last week, leaving behind approximately E30 million worth of destroyed stock.
During a visit to the Matsapha Wholesale facility, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, was briefed by Tesco executives about their plans for the new location.
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The discussion underscored the company’s resilience and commitment to recover from the unfortunate incident, which completely burnt the facility to the ground.
Local authorities, including the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency and Rescue Services, which is situated less than 200 meters from the site, are under scrutiny following the fire, with questions arising about the response time and measures in place that could have minimized the damage.
“The fire was a devastating blow to our operations, and our thoughts go out to our staff and customers who have been affected by this incident,” stated a Tesco representative.
“However, we are determined to rebuild and serve our community better than before. The new site will allow us to modernize our operations and improve our services to our valued customers.”
Minister Khumalo expressed his support for Tesco’s plans and emphasized the importance of the wholesale sector in contributing to the local economy.
“The swift recovery of Tesco Cash and Carry is vital for maintaining jobs and providing essential services in the region,” he remarked during his visit.
In addition to addressing the immediate aftermath of the fire, the company is also collaborating with local authorities to investigate the cause of the blaze and implement preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
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It should be noted that as preparations for the new site ramp up, Tesco Cash and Carry are inviting both current and new customers to look forward to a fresh start, marked by enhanced offerings and a commitment to quality service.
It’s a reassuring step for a community that relies heavily on the wholesale retailer for numerous essential goods.
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety standards within the area, and many are hoping it will lead to broader discussions on improving fire prevention strategies across local businesses.
