Ferris wheels owner cries foul

"We now find ourselves in a state of uncertainty. The ban came unexpectedly, and as business owners, we are left wondering how our business will be sustained.

Tuesday 17 June 2025 | 21:00

Hassan Shah

Sha’s Amusement Rides owner Hassan Shah in Nakasi on December 16, 2024.

Ronald Kumar

The ban on the operation of Ferris Wheels by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations has left Hassan Shah, the owner of Sha’s Amusement Rides, with little hope.

Disappointed

Mr Shah has been running his business for more than 40 years. Yesterday, he expressed his disappointment after the ban was issued without proper consultation.

“The ban was slapped without following the appropriate processes, it has caused serious consequences for the long-term viability to my business,” Mr Khan said.

According to Mr Khan, Sha’s Amusement Rides employs more than 15 workers, with the ban now imposed only two are been employed.

“We have been running for years, we have not being involved in any incident that had affected public safety,” he said.

“We now find ourselves in a state of uncertainty. The ban came unexpectedly, and as business owners, we are left wondering how our business will be sustained.

 

“Many people rely on the Ferris Wheel operations during festivals for employment, and with this ban, their future is now uncertain.”

Having invested a significant amount of money into his business over the past four decades, Mr Shah feels the ban has rendered those efforts futile.

“I urge the Government to explore alternative solutions that can keep our business afloat. Many families depend on this work, government needs to reassess and conduct a thorough investigation into this matter,” he said.

“At this point, it feels like all our hard work has been for nothing, and the future of our business, which was built to support our families, is now unclear.”

The ban follows an incident at the Wairiki 7s in Taveuni where the Ferris Wheel developed a mechanical fault.

Bystanders had to jump in to stop the Ferris Wheel so that riders could get off the faulty machine.

 

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj




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