KARACHI, Sept 2: Lack of maintenance and poor safety arrangements for those who visit various amusement parks and enjoy rides, swings, slides and other means of fun , have been posing a serious threat to the visitors, says a report prepared by a CDGK inspection committee.

The committee was set up by City Nazim Naimatullah Khan inspect mechanical and electrical means of fun, as well as an overall environment, at different amusement parks in the metropolis.

The committee had been formed in the backdrop of a tragic incident in which a boy had died after being hit by a wheeler train at Aladin Park in June this year. The committee has prepared the report after inspecting means of fun in Miraj Park and Fun City at Hill Park, Sindbad at Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Jabees Funland in Clifton and Aladin Park in Gulshan-i-Iqbal.

The committee has expressed dissatisfaction over the maintenance and operating procedure adopted by the parks' managements. It found that the main and sub-main electric supply cables were without proper conduiting with many joints and improper taping that might cause short circuit, serious accident or fire.

Earthing is improper and seems to be very old besides lacking the required standards while complaining system/procedure is not up to the technical standards prevailing around the world.

The report also pointed out absence of any qualified engineer and doctor to deal with an emergency, and said that safety fence, platforms, safety belts for some of the games and gadgets were not proper.

"Poor lighting arrangements and non-availability of fire extinguishing equipment is another area of concern," it mentioned adding that no ambulance service, paramedical staff or first-aid facility was available at the parks.

The approved electrical drawings, designs as per the recommendations of manufacturer in accordance with catalogues were not available with parks administrations, according to the report.

It was further observed, it said, that control rooms of all games and slides were not proper and had unsafe power distribution network, without safety devices and separate earthing.

Besides, 'Pirate ships' were without proper safety fence and platforms when committee visited the parks. The entry and exist guide rails and channels were found not safe.

The committee has recommended certain remedial measures in the interest of visitors. The steps included civil defence and fire-fighting training of the concerned staff to deal with an emergency situation.

It has also recommended that the parks' managements be asked to submit the document pertaining to the fabrication design and work so that adherence and compliance could be tallied with the recommended measures for safety, maintenance and operation.

On security arrangements, the report suggested that availability of ambulance, necessary medical equipment, oxygen cylinders, etc., be made available at the first-aid centres at the parks.

Deputation of trained and efficient security guards at each game and slide, provision of fire-fighting equipment, arrangement for qualified doctor and paramedical staff and insurance were some other recommendations put forward by the committee.

It has called for the deputation of two/three operators as per the requirement of each game/gadget with an arrangement of reliever staff. "Dangerous slides should be handled by an experienced operator capable of managing the affairs in case of any emergency," it suggested.

It stressed on provision of emergency brakes in dangerous games, separate toilets for male and female visitors/staff and checking of food quality at the recreation spots.

The committee has emphasized the need for framing rules and regulation in consultation with the law department. "The city government should also appoint an independent inspection agency to ensure safety and security arrangements at these parks," it said.

While stressing on strict compliance of relevant rules and regulations by the parks' management, the committee has recommended that strict action be taken against those violating the rules. -PPI