Waterberry fire damage will cost thousands
Restaurant owner said they have no idea what might have caused the fire.
The second fire at the popular Waterberry restaurant in Ballito came as a huge blow for owner Peter Berkeley, who said they will re-open for business as soon as the damage is repaired.
The fire, in the early hours of last Thursday morning, destroyed the ceiling and newly-installed electronic equipment, as well as several tables and chairs.
“I am still getting quotes, but the damage will cost at least a few hundred thousand to fix,” said Berkeley.
The Waterberry was completely rebuilt after a fire razed the original wooden building to the ground in June 2013, reopening in November 2014.
“I have heard people have been making comments on Facebook about it being an insurance fire, but the truth is it was not insured.
“We do not know how the fire started this time. It looks like it was just inside the front door.”
This time the concrete and steel structure was not damaged, but the polystyrene ceiling was completely destroyed, as well as the electronic tills, sound system and lighting.
The entire interior is coated with a layer of black soot.
The fire brigade arrived soon after Berkeley himself reached the building between four and five on Thursday morning. By then the fire had almost burned out.
“They were very efficient and put in fans to clear the smoke, but there was not much more they could do.”
Berkeley is also owner of the Dolphin Caravan Park. The second burning of the Waterberry is the latest in a series of blows Berkeley has suffered. In January this year he underwent a triple heart bypass.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
