AN investor in a popular public park, who had been given six months to run an entertainment facility, could be given a six-month extension despite an accident last week in which a child was injured.
The girl suffered wounds to her legs while playing on a ride at ‘Boulevard 202’ in the Muharraq Grand Park (Al Kubra).
A video of the injuries sustained by the child was circulating online, and her family filed a complaint with the Muharraq Governorate Police Directorate.
“An investigation is underway,” Muharraq Municipality director-general Ibrahim Al Jowder told the GDN.
“Experts are currently ascertaining whether the injuries were caused due to problems with the ride or due to the child not following proper safety protocols,” he added.
The ride was closed down immediately and was only reopened when a group of experts, from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, determined that the ride did not pose any danger to its users.
In March, there were claims of a similar accident at the amusement park but the allegations were found untrue after the directorate carried out a thorough investigation that covered medical records, surveillance checks and witness statements.
The GDN reported in December last year that the Muharraq Municipal Council had unanimously approved a proposal to set up attractions inside the park by leasing portions to interested investors while having the municipality shoulder some of the operational costs, if necessary, days after reopening the park following a 15-year closure.
“The park is a massive success seeing that an average of 30,000 visitors have enjoyed its services during Eid Al Fitr,” area councillor and the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Bassem Al Majdami told the GDN.
“Not a single park right now in Bahrain enjoys such massive attendance.
“It features games which are being shipped specifically from the best suppliers in Italy and Germany.”
He pointed out that the investor was an expert in the business, having already had successful ‘Boulevard’ park operations in three different locations in Saudi.
“The operating company is experienced in the business and is keen on ensuring that only safe rides are made available,” he explained.
“In addition, it has aided in hiring 150 Bahrainis, with the doors open for more.
“It has also hired on-site paramedics, equipped with all the necessary first aid tools.”
He said that the company has already set aside a deposit for compensations should incidents occur.
“While I do not know the details of the incident involving the child being injured, I do know that investors have put aside compensation deposits in the smallest of possibilities that the property or that someone is harmed as part of their operation,” Mr Al Majdami added.
“For all of the good reasons we have proposed that the current six-month deal gets extended until December until a permanent long-term investor steps in – hopefully the same will continue operations.”
The park has been revamped at a cost of BD3.18 million. It features physical fitness equipment, a children’s play area, shaded family areas and a 1km walkway.
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