Thunderous bangs tear through Ermelo on New Year’s Eve
Anti-fireworks sentiments dominated opposing views on the Highvelder’s Facebook page.
New Year, to the annoyance of many residents and pet owners, began with a bang.
Msukaligwa Municipality specified the Pet Dam and the Mpumalanga Stadium as the two areas where fireworks could lawfully be discharged, regardless of opposing views.
Some people shared their thoughts with the Highvelder and were hopeful that rain would discourage people from carrying out this annual tradition, unfortunately for them, this did not deter raucous New Year’s Eve revelers.
Anti-fireworks sentiments dominated opposing views on the Highvelder’s Facebook page.
Some of the views were that dog owners were not mindful of their dogs barking throughout the year, but when fireworks are discharged one day of the year, they are met with hostility, another person tried to justify shooting-off fireworks in his neighbourhood in Wesselton, by claiming there are no dogs nearby.
Suggestions of a laser displays to replace fireworks were also made, which according to the Facebook user, would be in the interests of fire safety and the welfare of animals and pets.
Before midnight, motorists parked in Wes Street opposite the Pet Dam to witness the explosive display, a lengthy show where the bulk of fireworks were finally fired-off just before 1am.
Thunderous bangs however, occasionally tore through the early morning hours.
Read the complete article in the first edition of the Highvelder Newspaper next week.
