By Francis Otucu

Vivo Energy Uganda, the distributor and marketer of Shell branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda has embarked on a deep cleaning and sanitizing exercise at its Shell service stations countrywide.

This news site understands that the decision followed the ease of restrictions announced by the government on the movement of private motorists and public means of transport, among other measures, during the current lockdown.

Dubbed, ‘IGNITE’, the initiative is to provide reassurance to all, of the readiness of the Shell service stations to serve its customers post lockdown by implementing enhanced site hygiene and safety measures in compliance with set Ministry of Health and World Health Organization guidelines.

Vivo Energy sources say the initiative was launched May 24, 2020 by Gilbert Assi, the Managing Director, Vivo Energy Uganda.

“At Vivo Energy Uganda, we support the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, to fight the spread of the corona virus. Through IGNITE, we are going the extra mile to put in place recommended safety guidelines to ensure protection and peace of mind of all our staff and customers during each visit to our Shell service stations,” said Assi during the launch at Shell Kira Road.

During the exercise, customers were engaged for feedback purposes on service and safety issues.

The similar exercise was carried out simultaneously at Shell Kaazi, Shell Kabalagala, Shell Bugolobi, Shell Lugogo and Shell Makindye.

Over 150 Shell retail sites have provided hand wash and sanitizing facilities at various locations to enable customers keep their hands clean.

This also came with other safety measures – social distancing, mandatory temperature screening, mask wearing by all customers and regular cleaning and sanitizing of commonly touched surfaces such as door knobs, shopping baskets, lavatories and the fuel pumps while all customer champions use gloves, masks or face screens. The public has also been encouraged to use cashless payment options during transactions at its Shell service stations.

Assi applauded the retail site staff for their dedication to task during the lockdown.

“Our customer champions are our real heroes. We deeply appreciate them braving the current conditions and all risks associated with the Covid-19 pandemic to show up and serve our customers. We are pleased to have been able to remain open during the lockdown to support the needs of the essential services such as security and health as they continued to serve their mandate during this period,” he said.

IGNITE shall be observed at all Shell service stations countrywide and maintained as a standard operating procedure going forward.

“Vivo Energy Uganda prioritizes goal zero, a commitment to ensure no harm to people, property and the environment,” Assi added.