Relocating out of the question

BUSINESSES affected during the recent flooding in Ladysmith were counting the costs of damage, but have opted to remain in the central business district, instead of relocating.

That’s because it would be too expensive to move elsewhere in the town.

David Fraser, whose business has been operating in Lyell Street, said although they had been severely affected by floods before, he believed moving was too risky and pricey.

“We can’t just close doors and leave. It wouldn’t be easy because there are a lot of factors and stakeholders involved.

“We have lost millions of rands, but we are in the centre of town. Moving would not be wise,” he said.

However, Fraser said his business was insured. He was also hopeful that there would be a solution to prevent future flooding. Fraser said that all stakeholders should get involved in finding a long-term solution.

Muhammad Ahsen, who is part of Crown Supermarkets management team, said his family relied solely on the business for an income. The supermarket has been operating in Lyle Street for more than eight years. Ahsen said they lost stock valued at R800 000 during their week’s closure.

“We had to get rid of everything in the shop and roughly it cost about R800000. We had to order new stock and start operating again because we need the income,” he said.

Ahsen said moving was not an option and they would consider getting insured just to be on the safe side, in the event it were to happen again.

Mary Mazibuko, a manager at Fashion Control in Queen Street said they had to close shop for three days.

“That cost R24000, but relocating was out of the question,” she said. Mazibuko said the business managed to pay their staff full salaries since they worked at another one of their stores.