Mall of Africa assures patrons rides are safe
Willem Taid said he was still concerned with regard to the hydraulic pressure in the pipes and potential exposure to patrons.
When Willem Tait took a ride at the Mall of Africa, he noticed that certain items on the ride were not safe.
This happened on July 23 and Tait said he then notified management of the mall about the unsafe Big White Wheel. Tait hails from Waterfall City and has a background in real
estate, property development and construction said certain items on the ride were not safe, but they disagreed with him.
“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.”
He said he was not sure how something like this is allowed to be an attraction for Mall of Africa patrons and suggest urgent intervention and thereafter continued oversight.
“I did not do any of the other rides, so I cannot comment on them, but would suggest an urgent inspection of all rides.”
Midrand Reporter contacted Mall of Africa’s management on July 25 and received a response on July 31.
In a consolidated response, Mall of Africa’s management said that they have sent through the issues raised by Tait to Fairy Wings Entertainment and can confirm the below:
“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”.
The response further said each ride has been signed off by a structural engineer and is covered by the certification.
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