The warehouse located in Niyandhurumaage, is leased by the company that operates Solite and OTP restaurants.
A fire that broke out on the 10th floor of a building just off Maaveyo Magu in Male' City on Monday evening has caused damages exceeding MVR 4 million, according to the owner of the warehouse.
The warehouse located in Niyandhurumaage, is leased by the company that operates Solite and OTP restaurants.
Ahmed Shiyam, one of the company’s directors, told Mihaaru News that the 10th floor was being used to store kitchen sets, de-freezers, chairs, and tables intended for other restaurants.
He said that the cause of the fire remains unknown, as none of the electrical equipment was connected at the time. However, he added that there were paper boxes and other flammable packages in the area.
The 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th floors of the 3,000 square foot building were rented out for various purposes. Shiyam said that the 9th floor was to house the company’s headquarters, while the 10th floor, where the fire originated, was being converted into an event hall for weddings and meetings. Until the renovations were complete, the floor was used to store equipment, including kitchen setups for 3 to 4 restaurants and some equipment for a new restaurant the company is preparing to open at North Harbour.
Shiyam estimated that the damage to the equipment amounted to between USD 250,000 and USD 300,000, noting that most of which were beyond repair.
"We run about 10 restaurants under management, and we always have spare parts in stock," he said.
However, Shiyam said that the new restaurant at North Harbour will open soon, and operations at the other restaurants will continue without interruption.