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Mall of Africa Ensures Patrons of Safety of Big White Wheel
The Mall of Africa has assured that the Big White Wheel is safe for patrons despite recent concerns raised by a rider.
Willem Tait, who took a ride on July 23, noticed what he believed to be safety issues with some aspects of the ride. Tait, who comes from Waterfall City and has a real estate, property development, and construction background, alerted the mall’s management about the perceived safety risks. However, the mall’s management disagreed with his concerns.
Tait’s observations included potential risks related to the power source of the wheel, suggesting that the compressor and pipes should be enclosed in metal to prevent injury. He also noted a hole without a clip that could pose a danger if it dropped on pedestrians below, and he found issues with the security of the rails inside the wheel cabins.
Expressing his confusion about how such concerns could exist in an attraction at the Mall of Africa, Tait called for immediate intervention and ongoing oversight. He stressed the need for thorough inspections of all rides for safety compliance.
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Midrand Reporter contacted the Mall of Africa’s management on July 25. The management responded on July 31, addressing the issues raised by Tait. According to the management’s consolidated response, they have forwarded Tait’s concerns to Fairy Wings Entertainment, the operators of the Big White Wheel. The management confirmed the following:
- The Ferris wheel operates using hydraulics, not compressed air, as Tait suggested.
- The pump system that drives the wheel is not accessible to riders.
- The pipe mentioned by Tait is an access control device.
- Pins have been installed on the pipe to ensure its security, with attached pictures provided as evidence.
Furthermore, the management’s response underlined that each ride at the mall had undergone scrutiny from a structural engineer and held certification to confirm its safety standards. Despite the concerns raised by Tait, the management and operators of the Big White Wheel assure patrons of its safety and compliance with regulations.
Source: Mall of Africa assures patrons rides are safe
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Picture: Facebook / Fairy Wings Entertainment
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