Willem Tait took a ride on the 23rd of July on the big white wheel ride when he became aware of the certain items that were not safe on the ride. He mentioned that his concern was how the hydraulic pressure in the pipes was exposed to customers.
Following Tait noticing the safety issues on the ride, he reported the matter to the Mall of Africa’s management. As a Waterfall City resident as well as a someone who has background in property development, real estate, as well as construction he said he was met with disagreements by the management when he told them of the items on the ride which he thought were not safe.
“As far as I can see the power to the wheel is done via compressed air. This shows that the system is from the top and would be suggested that the compressor and pipes be enclosed in metal to avoid injury. There is a hole at the end but no clip. If pulled, it can drop on pedestrians and patrons below. I checked and in none of the wheel cabins are the rails secure”, says Tait.
He added that it surprised him how something of this nature can be declared as an attraction of Mall of Africa when it was putting customers in danger. He further suggested that the management conducts urgent intervention to attend to this problem.
“I did not do any of the other rides, so I cannot comment on them, but I would suggest an urgent inspection of all rides”, Tait said.
The Mall of Africa management response was then issued on the 31st of July. In the response the management acknowledged Taits complain and assured him that the “The Ferris wheel is driven by hydraulics, not via an air compressor. The pump system is not accessible by patrons riding the wheel. The pipe is an access control device. Pins have been installed on the pipe to ensure they are secure. See attached pictures of pins installed”, Mall of Africa’s management.
In the response the Mall of Africa’s management further mentioned that structural engineers have been assigned for each of the rides and are covered by certification.
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Written by: Tshegofatso Ramaphoko
Images: supplied
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