Safety issues at carnival addressed

CEBU, Philippines - Operators of a Lecian-owned carnival across Hoopsdome in Barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City have coordinated with the city’s engineering office after their amusement facilities were declared “unsafe” last  Monday.

City Engineer Allan Pedrigal on Thursday said his team went back to check the area, reminding the operators to fix the bases of the carnival rides including exposed wirings.

“Ang mga electrical engineer namo niadto balik sa area pagka-Wednesday, aron mo-inform nila og balik but the carnival operators were able to fix the hazardous parts of the rides already,” he said.

Pedrigal said the operators of the carnival were using small blocks of cut-out woods as the base of their rides. City engineers found this dangerous, noting that the rides are moving and vibrations may loosen up screws.

“Gi-ilisan nila og mas baga ug mas lapad nga kahoy. Ang mga exposed nga wires kay gipangtabunan na sad,” Pedrigal said.

Pedrigal said they earlier suggested that the bases be buried and cemented but they have also considered broad and thick-sized wood as alternative since the carnival will only operate temporarily for the city’s fiesta.

Pedrigal previously warned the operators they will face cancellation of temporary permits if they will run the carnival.

He even plans to cut off their power after knowing the carnival was “partially operating” last Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Radaza said she earlier instructed Pedrigal to check the amusement rides for the safety of her constituents.

“We cannot risk the safety of the city residents. As soon as possible, the operators should first check and do correctional measures if they want to fully operate the carnival,” Radaza said. — Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (FREEMAN)