Due to the cable fire in mid-August, which severely damaged the electrical system, the Ueckermünder Haff Center will remain closed until further notice. The Nahkauf market, located directly above the electrical room, was hit particularly hard by the accident. The smoke penetrated through shafts and cracks into the cooling, storage and sales rooms, the goods and freezers were damaged and unusable.
Disposed of 70 containers of goods
There is currently only light in the store, the refrigerated counters have no electricity. Frozen goods and equipment in the cold room and storage room were destroyed by the soot. The operators, the couple Andreas and Sandra Vieweg, stand in front of empty counters and shelves where fruit, vegetables and refrigerated goods usually await customers. Fresh produce, meat, dairy products: everything had to be thrown away due to a power outage and smoke. 40 containers, each with a capacity of 240 liters, have already been picked up and another 30 are ready for disposal. There is a thin layer of soot on the goods in the salesroom, as well as on the shelves and floors.
Assessment should bring clarity
The Viewegs and their 18 employees will only know how and when things will continue once the report commissioned by the center owner, Elgeti GmbH, is available. The expert was there on August 23, as confirmed by an Elgeti spokesman when asked by the Nordkurier. Center management expects its report later this week.
Every day counts for the operator couple
Every day counts for Andreas and Sandra Vieweg. Both are concerned with the question of which insurance company will settle their damage, which they provisionally estimate at at least 150,000 euros for equipment and goods. In addition, there would be a monthly loss of sales of tens of thousands of euros. Many other goods also became unsellable due to the smoke: “Everything that is not in tin, foil and glass” – goods such as sugar, flour, cakes to bake yourself. Some may be given to the Tafel before the shelf life expires. “But as long as it is not clear which insurance company will take over the damage and then inspect our goods, we cannot clear things up,” is the dilemma of the Viewegs.
“Need help from the insurance companies quickly”
The Nahkauf market celebrated the 20th year of its existence in February. “Many a hurdle had to be overcome during this time,” says Andreas Vieweg. The current situation is much more difficult. “We will make it, but we need help and support from all sides in the city.” Then we will be able to continue to offer the usual service for Ueckermünde Ost, such as a post office, lottery service and acceptance point for laundry and shoe repairs.
“We need urgent help from the insurance companies. Otherwise our plans for expansion would also be in question,” warns the couple. The employees are currently still receiving their salary, but if sales operations cannot be resumed soon, they are threatened with short-time work. It is also uncertain when the power supply will be restored in the Haff Center. “We want to reopen as soon as possible,” says Sandra Vieweg and hopes for quick clarification. At least she has good news for customers whose cleaned clothes and laundry were exposed to the smoke in the store: “Everything was picked up by the laundry and will be cleaned again.” From next week, the things could be picked up at the Grapentin wine shop.
2023-08-30 03:32:55
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