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Title : Singapore Flyer will try to get wheel moving in few days' time
By :
Date : 31 December 2008 1922 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/399506/1/.html

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Flyer will try to get the wheel moving in a few days' time.

But it told Channel NewsAsia this does not mean the Flyer is resuming its flight operations to the public.

Earlier, Singapore authorities said the Flyer will be allowed to resume operations after public safety has been fully assured.

The attraction's management also met its tenants on Wednesday. Rentals which cost about S$4,000 a week per unit have been waived for the eight days since the stoppage.

However, most tenants want this waiver extended till the Flyer reopens.

"We actually ask for compensation in terms of rental and in terms of advertisements we have put in for the first quarter of next year, and the management has heard us. They will get back to us in early January," said the director of Jalapeno's Pepper, Serene Tjokro Lau.

The general manager of the Singapore Flyer, Stephen Yeo, said: "It is important to point out that all these waivers and rebates which we are offering are really ex gratia. It is obviously not an obligation of the owners. However, I think the owners have demonstrated certain empathy with the tenants.

"We've put up proposals to the board as to how we should support and assist these tenants who have been very supportive of us."

The Flyer's management says it plans to step up promotional activities to bring visitors back.

Carnivals could also be organised. Some tenants plan to offer S$1 rides on the Flyer with the purchase of a meal.

"We are confident that once everything is in place, there will be a boom again," said the operations director of Seafood Paradise, Edlan Chua.

The Flyer's management says it will take a few days to rectify the problem and get the wheel moving again. However, to put in an additional back-up mechanism to keep the wheel moving when a similar incident occurs could take weeks, or even months.

It now remains to be seen if the authorities will allow the Flyer to resume operations without an additional back-up mechanism. The police say they are looking into the matter with the assistance of international experts.

- CNA/yt





Additional back-up mechanisms to be installed at Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer plans countdown party to draw in crowds
Singapore Flyer ticket validity period extended
S'pore Flyer tenants to meet management to discuss compensation, rebates


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