21 October 2004	Thursday	06 Ramazan 1425

KARACHI, Oct 20: An agreement is expected to be signed in a few weeks between the city government and a foreign firm on safety measures at Aladin Amusement Park.

According to sources, the step had been taken in view of the inadequate safety measures at this recreation spot due to which two children have already lost their lives.

The incidents had led to the imposition of a ban on the operation of all conventional and electrical swings, rides, slides, etc., at the park.

The sources said that the proposed agreement provided many measures to ensure safety and security of visitors and included civil defence and fire fighting training to be imparted to the park's staff in order to deal with any problem that could arise in an emergency situation.

Fabrication work and design to match and conform with the recommended specification vis-a-vis safety, maintenance and operation would be undertaken by the firm.

The other aspects to be covered in the agreement include availability of ambulances, along with necessary equipment, oxygen cylinder, etc., at the first-aid room within the park vicinity.

The agreement specifies the areas of security arrangement at each game and slide spot, provision of fire-fighting equipment, as well as availability of qualified doctor and paramedical staff.

It may be recalled here that a committee, set up by City Nazim Naimatullah Khan after the tragic incidents, had noticed inadequate safety measures at all the amusement parks in the metropolis and had suggested various corrective steps.

The report prepared by the committee had made mention of the improper electrical fittings and cabling that posed a serious threat to visitors and staff. It had found all the games and gadgets at the recreation spots dangerous because of their falling short of internationally recognized standards. Absence of qualified engineers and doctors, safety fence, proper platforms, safety belts, etc., was another area of concern as noticed by the committee.

The sources observed that signing of the agreement would pave the way for security arrangements at other amusement parks in the city. -PPI