Community in Sandau fights for their gas station: A sign of life!

Community in Sandau fights for their gas station: A sign of life!

In the tranquil town of Sandau on the Elbe, maintaining the local gas station is a key concern of the population. The “Roadhouse 107” gas station, which was reopened by Sven Böneker in November 2024, was previously closed from 2021 to 2024 and has not been under a good star since then. The reason for the uncertainty is the operator's health setbacks. Despite these challenges, the local community shows impressive commitment to maintaining operations. How Radio chunks reports, the gas station plays an important role as a meeting place for citizens.

A binding point in the small community is that the nearest shop is a full 5 kilometers away in Havelberg. This illustrates the essential function of the gas station in the region, not only for drivers, but also for cyclists and pedestrians. Access to fuel is much more than a tick here. Since the end of 2024, the volunteers, including Jenny Zilcher, who work from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays, have worked tirelessly to keep the gas station running. After all, the owner Sven Böneker does not have the opportunity to work himself due to his illness.

Volunteering and support

The solidarity in Sandau is particularly clear through the support of the volunteers. The fact that non-profit employees have full-time jobs or other commitments shows the incredible commitment of the community. Only through this support was the gas station able to continue to fulfill its function as a social contact point. During their visit as part of a summer tour, District Administrator Patrick Puhlmann and the mayor of the municipality, Steffi Friedebold, were very impressed by the efforts of the citizens and the good acceptance of the gas station. “The gas station is not just a shopping location, it also brings life and cohesion to the town,” says Puhlmann.

Given the increasing number of electric vehicles, future developments are also being considered. The plan is to convert the gas pump for trucks as well as additional services that will increase the attractiveness of the gas station, such as charging points for electric cars. In rural areas like this, the gas station is much more than just a place to refuel - it is an important element of the local infrastructure, like Tanklist describes.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the constant challenges, and in order to openly address the decline in individual traffic, gas station operators must find innovative approaches to diversify the service offering. The need to incorporate environmentally friendly practices and respond to regional needs could help further increase its appeal. The engagement of Sandau citizens and support from local businesses is promising in securing the future of this crucial facility.

The “Roadhouse 107” gas station is not just a place to fill up with fuel, but it is the beating heart of the Sandau community. With a little support, it can continue to be a welcoming meeting place for everyone.