A new shelter for Checkers Sixty60 drivers will soon be built at the New Salt Rock City Shopping Centre, addressing concerns about their exposure to harsh weather conditions.

The Shoprite Group has confirmed that an agreement has been reached with the centre’s management regarding the proposed shelter.

“We have submitted multiple shelter design proposals over the past six months, and during a meeting with centre management on February 27, we reached an in-principle agreement on the design. We have since received initial quotes from the contractor proposed by centre management and are currently in the process of obtaining additional quotations,” said the group.

According to Shoprite, drivers were relocated to an unsheltered area in 2023 due to the service’s continued growth and the increase in driver numbers.

They could not confirm the date for the construction of the shelter at the time of publication.

Residents have expressed concern over the lack of shelter and its impact on the workers’ well-being.

“These drivers work tirelessly to ensure we receive our groceries on time, yet they have no proper place to wait between deliveries,” said one Sheffield resident. “They should not have to stand in the scorching heat or pouring rain.”

These drivers play a crucial role in serving the fast-growing North Coast community, ensuring customers receive their groceries within an hour of ordering.

The management of New Salt Rock City had not responded at the time of publication.

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