The recent decision by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations to ban the operation of Ferris Wheels has left Hassan Shah, owner of Sha’s Amusement Rides, in a state of dismay. After over 40 years in the entertainment industry, Mr. Shah voiced his concerns regarding the abrupt enforcement of this ban, particularly due to the lack of prior consultation with business owners like himself.
Mr. Shah stated that the sudden ban has resulted in severe repercussions for both his business and the employees who depend on it. Of the more than 15 staff members he typically employs, only two remain on the payroll as a result of the restrictions. He emphasized the long history of safe operation of Sha’s Amusement Rides, claiming there had never been an incident that compromised public safety.
“The ban came unexpectedly, and as business owners, we are left wondering how our business will be sustained,” Mr. Shah remarked. He highlighted how many individuals depend on the Ferris Wheel operations during local festivals for their employment, shedding light on the wider impact the ban could have on the community.
Having invested substantial resources into his business over the years, Mr. Shah feels that these efforts are now jeopardized. He called on the government to consider alternative solutions that would allow his business to continue operating while maintaining public safety. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The ministry’s ban was a response to a recent incident at the Wairiki 7s in Taveuni, during which a Ferris Wheel encountered a mechanical failure, leading bystanders to intervene in order to safely assist riders disembarking from the ride.
In summary, while the ban may be a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring public safety, it raises critical questions about its impact on local businesses and jobs. A constructive dialogue between the government and business owners could result in actionable solutions that prioritize safety without unnecessarily harming livelihoods.
The situation presents an opportunity for collaboration to enhance safety measures across amusement rides, potentially leading to stronger regulations that protect both the public and the businesses involved in the entertainment sector. With open communication, there’s hope for a resolution that allows Ferris Wheels to operate safely while sustaining the livelihoods of many families.
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