Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said it was reviewing by-laws related to the discharge of fireworks in the Metro.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, John Best, was commenting as the city prepares for Guy Fawkes celebrations on Sunday.
“We are pleading with the public not to discharge fireworks in their neighbourhoods outside the demarcated areas,” said Best.
“Our Metro Police and the Fire and Emergency Services in collaboration with the South African Police Services will be on high alert as the adherence to this tradition can cause immense distress for dogs and other animals and present fire hazards as well.
“Residents will get an opportunity to engage with the municipality about our current Fireworks bylaw when a public participation process commence within a couple of months,” MMC Best said.
The Municipality has issued guidelines for the times and places where fireworks can be discharged.
Important information to note and adhere to:
Fireworks may only be discharged in the following permitted areas:
1) Central Sports Fields (off Lower Drostdy Street, Uitenhage).
2) The open grassed area opposite the water wheel in Despatch.
3) The following beach areas, as hereafter defined:
a) Joorst Park Beach:
The sandy beach area. Grassed areas as well as sand dunes remain excluded.
b) Wells Estate Beach:
The sandy beach area. Grassed areas as well as sand dunes remain excluded.
c) Bluewater Bay Beach:
The sandy beach area from the Swartkops River mouth up to the Coega River. Grassed areas as well as sand dunes remain excluded.
d) Southern Beaches:
The beach area from Kings Beach (Supertube area) to the Beacon opposite Admiralty Way. Grassed areas as well as sand dunes remain excluded.
Aerial fireworks may only be discharged with the express permission of the Regional Inspector of Explosives (SAPS) at Tel No: 041 398 2300.
Offences and penalties
Any person not adhering to the aforementioned conditions may be, on conviction, liable to be fined, or in default of payment, to imprisonment, or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine, or to both such fine and such imprisonment, and in the case of a successive or continuing offence, to a fine for every day such offence continues, or in default of payment thereof, to imprisonment.
General Safety Precautions:
¨ Do not try to re-ignite fireworks.
¨ When fireworks do not discharge, do not approach such fireworks immediately, as a delayed discharge or explosion may occur.
¨ Fireworks should not be discharged whilst being held in the hand.
¨ Do not bind fireworks together; light them one by one.
¨ Keep pets indoors whilst fireworks are being set off. They become afraid, nervous, disorientated and could also become aggressive. It is a very stressful experience for animals, so please preferably avoid their exposure to fireworks. If avoidance is not possible, please minimize their exposure to fireworks to the least amount of time possible.
Any complaints regarding the discharge of fireworks should be reported to the Safety and Security control centre at 041 5851555 or to SAPS at 10111.
