Apr 01 2010 08:05 PM
Durban - The Moses Mabhida stadium sky car was back in operation, the stadium's management said on Thursday.
"Given the sky car's safety features and its newness, it is to be expected that we would experience teething problems," said stadium manager Tim te Haar in a statement.
He said at no time had the sky car been considered unsafe.
Last month the department of labour gave the eThekwini municipality 60 days to make sure the sky car was safe, after it got stuck, leaving people stranded.
A labour department inspector found that there was no preventative maintenance plan for the sky car's hydraulic brakes and that they were not regularly checked which could cause them to jam.
The department also found the indemnity notice at the stadium for the sky car had no legal standing.
The sky car had been in operation for nearly four months and more than 60 000 people had made the trip to the top of the 106m arch to experience stunning views of the city and Indian Ocean, Te Haar said.
Teething problems
"The sky car is one of the safest tourist attractions in South Africa," he added.
City manager Mike Sutcliffe said teething problems were expected. He also said the number of people who had travelled to the top of the arch without any problems should be considered.
"When it comes to the sky car and all other attractions at the Moses Mabhida Stadium – it's very much a matter of safety first," Sutcliffe said.
Sutcliffe said should the sky car jam while people were in it, they would be made comfortable, provided with water and be safe.
"Tour guides are also on hand to assist members of the public who choose to exit the platform via the sky walk. Safety harnesses are available at the viewing deck for this purpose," Sutcliffe said.
Moses Mabhida is one of the Soccer World Cup stadiums.
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