The Chez Nehoua store in Saint-André ravaged by fire

It is an emblematic business in Saint-André which was ravaged by flames last night. Wednesday, December 18, residents look with sadness at the Néhoua shop, largely destroyed by the fire.

“It’s a piece of our heritage, a piece of our childhood that is passing away. It’s an institution. Ms. Nehoua, she is always there for others, so we come to show that we support her. is a shock” testifies this neighbor.

Beside him, an elderly lady cannot hold back her tears. “When I heard the news, even though my feet hurt, I came to see. It’s hard to go through this.”

The Mme Camille Nehoua boutique, located rue Payet in Saint-André, on the road leading to Bras-des-Chevrettes, caught fire during the night. The fire destroyed 50% of the wooden hut despite the intervention of the firefighters.

Founded in 1942, the store built by Camille’s father the year of her birth had become over the years an institution, renowned in particular for its “sarcives”.

According to our information, the family did not notice any break-in. The fire could be of electrical origin, even if the meter had been changed last week. If the accidental route is favored, an investigation will have to determine the causes of the disaster.

This morning, a leetchi pot was opened to help rebuild the business.

In a press release, the mayor of Saint-André Joé Bédier expressed his “deep sadness” and the “sincere support from the municipal team to the owner”.

“This place was a real institution for the inhabitants of Saint-André and for all of Réunion. We all used to buy “sarcives” there which were the local specialty and were the pride of the territory”

Joé Bédier, mayor of Saint-André

And the chosen one to ensure that “all community services and elected officials are ready to support” traders in this ordeal.