Melanie Lush, Denlee, writes:
I would like to place on record my disgust at the event which took place recently at the Victoria Lake Recreation Park.
At around 8pm there was a fireworks display held at the Victoria Lake, which I believe was part of the re-launch of the recently upgraded recreation park.
Firstly, fireworks are not permitted in a residential area and, secondly, the noise was unbearably loud.
There was no warning about this anywhere on posters or flyers, in order for people to sedate their animals – not to mention the wild birds that live at the lake.
I live across the street from the lake in an apartment building and I’m furious that this was allowed to happen.
How can the organisers do such a thing when there are many birds and animals in the vicinity who would obviously be terrified by the loud banging?
I’m pleased that the lake has been upgraded, but was it necessary to have a fireworks display?
I wonder how long it will be before the lake area will be trashed and littered again, after all the money that has been spent upgrading it?
I am seriously disgusted in the Ekurhuleni Parks and Recreation Department.
Editor’s note: The GCN asked the metro for comment and Sam Modiba, the metro’s spokesman, said: “The fire department was invited to do a site inspection where the fireworks were to be discharged.
“That was done and it was found that there was no immediate danger to cause fire, and the grass was cut to a reasonable limit.
“The fallout direction was towards the lake and there are no houses around as it is a lake (public premises).
“The application to use fireworks was submitted to the Explosive Unit and any query regarding the severity of the explosives should be directed to the SAPS, as all the necessary certification was handed to them.”
