Gacuriro Kobil station closed

A filling station in Kagugu area of Kigali owned by regional oil retailer, Kenol-Kobil, is not about to resume operations soon, after Gasabo District authorities stuck by its decision to close it permanently.The district ordered the shutting down of the filling station about four months ago. The Mayor of Gasabo District, Willy Ndizeye, defended the decision, saying it was based on the safety of area residents.“No one can determine when an accident can occur, but this was to prevent danger and this was a decision that had been taken earlier,” Ndizeye explained.The petrol station is next to building housing upmarket night club K-Club and according to Ndizeye, it was too risky.He explained that the distance between the two facilities defied the laid down legal parameters. However, anonymous sources say that the petrol station had been put up long before “K-Club” was set up.The mayor said that even before, the district had forewarned the previous owner that the petrol station would be based in the location temporarily, until the authorities sought for lasting solutions to avoid exposing residents to dangers of fire outbreaks.However, Patrick Ngugi, the country director of Kobil, argued that the local authorities had long been aware of the oil retailing business in the location, questioning why the district never gave an early warning.“We have not been given any reason that led to the closure of our business and from that perspective, we need the district to come out clearly and explain or else, we must be compensated,” he insisted.“This petrol station has been here before other businesses, including K-Club. Why should we be ordered to close down yet we started operating before others?” he wondered. Residents who spoke to The New Times similarly questioned the order to close down the petrol station which had operated for long.“We realise that the district cares about our safety, but it is equally important that local authorities consider the choice and needs of the residents,” lamented one of the residents who preferred to remain anonymous.He pointed out that the petrol station has been of great importance to the local community.

National

Gacuriro Kobil station closed