Vivo Energy opens new Service Station in Moleps

• Lecha One is the second Shell service station in Molepolole
• Brings to 80 the number of Shell service stations in Botswana
• Customers trained in Shell products and their tyres and windshields cleaned

According to the petroleum company, the opening of this service station – which is company-owned and dealer-operated – is the result of collaborative efforts by Vivo Energy Botswana with Lecha One (Pty) Ltd. This is the second Shell service station in Molepolole. The unveiling follows four other retail sites opened in 2021, bringing the overall number of Shell service stations to 80 in Botswana.

Managing Director of Vivo Energy Botswana, Pawan Juwaheer, said the network expansion is aimed at bringing Shell products and services closer to customers. “These investments in our retail network expansion demonstrate Vivo Energy’s commitment to developing its business in Botswana and its ambition to continue to exceed the expectations of our valued customers,” he said. “This is in line with our expansion strategy to make it convenient for our customers to access quality products and services across Botswana.”

In addition to the official opening ceremony, customers experienced a full Shell service. They had their car tyres and windshields cleaned and received training in Shell products. Lucky motorists also benefitted from an array of activations and promotions offered by Shell Botswana. These promotions are meant to reward customer loyalty to the Shell brand. “As it is a norm in Africa to celebrate a new baby in the community, we are celebrating the new station with this official opening ceremony and activations,” Juwaheer said.

In his remarks, the site retailer Stephen Lecha thanked Vivo Energy Botswana for giving him the opportunity to work with them and run the service station, thus showing the company’s commitment to supporting the government’s goal of citizen empowerment. Lecha acknowledged the site owner, Thomas Sedirwa, for the opportunity to operate from his land. He assured the audience that he and his team will offer excellent services to the people of Molepolole for having Shell as their preferred brand. He also thanked the leadership of Molepolole, which is the biggest village in Africa, for their presence at the “momentous occasion”.

Giving the keynote address at the launch, Mothusa Kgosikgolo wa BaKwena, Kgosi Mhaladi, applauded Vivo Energy Botswana for the new service station, saying it brings benefits to the community of Molepolole and surrounding areas, as well as employment opportunities for the youth. He encouraged site staff to pride themselves in offering excellent customer service.

The CEO of Vivo Energy, Stan Mittelman, was present for the official opening and performed the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon after which he assisted the first customer at the site. Also present was Vivo Energy’s Executive Vice President for East & Southern Africa, Hans Paulsen, the leadership team and staff of Vivo Energy Botswana, as well as key stakeholders from Molepolole.