In response to safety concerns raised by a visitor to the newly-opened Giwa Gardens Waterpark in Lagos, the Lagos State Government has vowed to close down any leisure facility found violating the safety regulations set by the state safety commission.
The Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, who spoke to PUNCH Metro confirmed that Giwa Gardens had been temporarily shut down.
He stated, “We have shut the place and we are not going to shut it down forever, we are giving them some safety conditions to meet and as soon as they meet the conditions, we will open the place.”
Omotoso emphasized the importance of adhering to safety rules and regulations, stating, “Once an offence is committed in your facility, it becomes a criminal matter and the police will take over. There are rules and regulations the safety commission has spelt out for them and if they don’t observe them, they will be shut down.”
The announcement follows an incident involving Masidat Kassim, who shared her unfortunate experience at Giwa Gardens Waterpark on her Instagram page.
Kassim has shared her experience on Instagram, stating, “The pools are too shallow for the long slides, my daughter hit her head when she went on it… I went on the slide and hit my forehead head on the tiles in the pool.”
She also expressed disappointment in the water park’s safety measures.
Kassim reported sustaining injuries on her lips and criticized the water park’s safety measures.
In response to Kassim’s post, the owner of Giwa Gardens, Keji Giwa, apologized for the incident and assured her of a free premium ticket with food and drinks included on her next visit.
The owner also mentioned that an investigation into the matter was ongoing.
Omotoso assured the public that the Lagos State Safety Commission would take appropriate action against any facility found violating regulations.
He urged citizens to report any safety concerns, saying, “Anyone who sees anything like that woman should escalate it, then, the safety commission will move in.”
Omotoso further mentioned that the safety commission has requested a personal apology from the water park to Masidat Kassim.
