A supermarket in Murang’a town that was destroyed by fire a year ago has resumed operations.
Mathai Supermarket opened its doors to customers on Friday after it was rehabilitated and restocked.
The supermarket was reduced to ashes by a mysterious inferno in October last year. The cause of the fire has not been established to date.
The Director of the company Victor Maina Ngunjiri said the fire destroyed property worth more than Sh 200 million.
He said during the tragedy the supermarket owed millions of shillings to suppliers saying some of them opted to extend payment period, which has helped the company rehabilitate the outlet.
“We thank all our supporters and companies which have offered their support to see us resume business. Some banks also came to our aid and offered credit services to ensure we resume operations,” said Maina.
Mr Maina said the company will try to lower prices of basic commodities considering many residents have been struggling to access some important goods due to the impact of coronavirus.
“We have reopened when the economic situation is quite challenging due to the impact posed by Covid-19 disease and as a retail outlet, we will try to provide reasonable prices especially to basic commodities like food,” he further said.
The Director said with the opening of the branch, the supermarket will provide employment to about 80 people saying they are still expanding and they will require more workers.
“We have opened one building as construction continues for the second building and once it is complete, we will offer more employment opportunities to local residents,” he added.
He continued, “we appeal to local residents who for many years supported us before we were hit by the tragedy to continue with their support as we promise to provide better services.”
Meanwhile, the Director observed that the outlet will strictly observe stipulated health protocols to help contain spread of Covid-19. “All customers will be required to wear facemasks and wash hands before entering and shopping in the supermarket.
A local resident, Lucy Mbuthia said the presence of the supermarket will boost economic activities in the town.
Lucy noted suppliers will have opportunities to trade with the supermarket as well as a number of employment opportunities will be created.
“The other supermarkets are located far from where I stay and now, I will enjoy the presence of the reopened outlet near my residential area,” she added.
By Bernard Munyao
