Here is the basic procedure that can be followed when establishing a service station.
1. Find and secure a site which has the traffic that will bring about the business volume anticipated.
2. Current / future traffic volume is a key consideration when finding a service station site.
3. Once site is secured > seek licencing approvals from local authority ( RDC for rural sites and Urban Councils for urban sites) NB make sure the site is zoned for service station otherwise change of land purpose maybe necessary.
4. Get a qualified person to design and produce drawings for the service station and all other outbuildings like shop etc. The drawings need to be approved by the local authority where the site is located.
5. After drawings are approved > carry out EMA’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), there are a few consultants who do EIA who are registered with EMA, its important that the consultant is registered.
EMA is the authority that approves the EIA, please note there are fees applicable charged by EMA.
6. Next stage is seek a qualified contractor to construct the service station – this where Garaquip comes in with all the relevant experience and equipment to successfully implement the project.
7. As the investor you may choose to engage an engineering consultant to supervise the construction contractor or you can do it yourself if you got the relevant experience.
8. At all major stages of construction, the local authority building division should be consulted and approvals sort before you go on to next big stage.
9. Once the service station is nearly done , seek an operating licence from ZERA another authority in the energy sector, there are fees to be paid for the licence.
10. Just before start of dispensing fuel the Department of Trade and Measures need to be called in to test and give seal of approval for the fuel dispensing equipment.
