Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced a temporary suspension of operations for Ferris wheel operators until further notice. This measure follows an incident involving a 12-seater Ferris wheel at the Wairiki Sevens tournament in Taveuni, which prompted the National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS) within the Employment Ministry to launch a comprehensive investigation.

The decision was reached after detailed discussions between officials from the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations and the Prime Minister’s office. According to a statement from the ministry, attendees were forced to leave the Ferris wheel with the help of operators and onlookers due to operational malfunctions. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of this incident.

The NOHSS has subsequently issued a prohibition notice to halt the operation of all Ferris wheels pending the investigation. The ministry has committed to examining the incident thoroughly and will present a report along with updates on the findings.

In light of this occurrence, Opposition MP Virendra Lal is advocating for stricter regulations governing Ferris wheel operators, noting that similar incidents have happened multiple times over the past two years. He has called for tougher legislation aimed at preventing future incidents.

In summary, while the temporary ban may disrupt entertainment services, it reflects a commitment to ensuring public safety and accountability in amusement operations. The ongoing investigation not only aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident but also seeks to enhance safety standards for the future, ultimately fostering a more secure environment for all patrons.