USHAKA Marine World has completed its investigation into a recent incident at the water park which left patron Junaid Singh with a broken back and leg.
It said in a statement: "The report on the investigation confirms that all protocols related to inclement weather conditions on the day were adhered to in full – this in line with the parks health and safety protocols which are within the regulated standards of operation.“
But Singh's family is questioning how an investigation could be finalised when they had not been interviewed or contacted by the management team to date.
They claimed an email from their attorney to the Ushaka management team had also gone unanswered.
“It's obvious that they do not care. They haven't even tried to contact us. His wife also posted on their Facebook page and she did not receive any response. It’s sad, especially since Junaid is in so much pain and bedridden," said Singh's brother-in-law, Wahed Nazeer.
“The ambulance contracted to Ushaka had his wife's details. It's not up to us to contact them. They are just paying lip service. Breaking one's back and leg on your premises, and you do not see a need to cooperate with the victim or his family?
"This says a lot about Ushaka and how they operate. They have even failed to acknowledge receipt of an email by his attorney for camera footage from the incident. How is this cooperating?"
On January 5, Singh, who is self-employed, was visiting Ushaka Marine World with his family when a thunderstorm started. It was alleged that workers “informally” called on patrons to evacuate the water slides and “forced” people out of the park.
Singh went down the second highest slide, not realising the slide water machines had been shut off. He ended up hitting his leg on the side of the slide and it broke in two places. When he reached the bottom of the slide, his back was also broken in three places.
Nazeer said Singh underwent back surgery yesterday and was in the ICU.
"There is nothing we can do to help him. It is difficult seeing him suffering. The family is also worried about the medical bills being paid as he has not been working and they have been using his savings to pay the utilities.
“His wife went back to work on Monday but she is struggling. She is pregnant and has to take care of their son, who is missing his dad. His son is at the age where he keeps asking for his dad. It's hard to explain to a 2-year-old. We video-call Junaid but it’s not the same,” said Nazeer.
The POST initially contacted Ushaka yesterday regarding the family's claims that management had not contacted them. The theme park's first statement read: "uShaka Marine World welcomes the conclusive investigation which was conducted following the incident that occurred in the park leading to a guest being injured.
"The report on the investigation confirms that all protocols related to inclement weather conditions on the day were adhered to in full – this in line with the parks health and safety protocols which are within the regulated standards of operation.“
They then issued a second statement which read: "At uShaka Marine World, the well-being and safety of our guests has always been top priority. Our commitment to uphold the regulated safety standards is further supported by a continuous review of operational processes thus ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment for all our visitors.
"We understand the impact this incident has had on the guest, his family and friends. As a park that believes in offering an environment for families and friends to create memories, we remain fully committed to cooperating with all parties involved should a need arise."
When asked again if they had contacted the family, Ushaka subsequently responded: "Please know that we are concerned for the guest’s well-being and wish them a full and speedy recovery. Although we are aware of the guest’s public statement, we have unfortunately been unable to establish direct communication with them.
"However, we are ready and willing to connect whenever they are comfortable and provide any information they may need about the incident. We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone who visits us."