Councillor all fired up as thousands join his online petition
Johannesburg – Animal lovers are concerned that fireworks have become a nightmare for animals.
As humans saw out 2016, the merrymaking that is associated with fireworks turned out to be a nightmare for our furry friends.
Although Emergency Management Services had warned residents to handle fireworks with care, most did not adhere to the rules, according to Ward 66 councillor, Carlos Da Rocha.
“Every year I receive complaints about fireworks. I understand people use fireworks for different events to celebrate, but they are becoming a problem for many. This year it was the worst I have ever seen. People did not respect the bylaws on fireworks and [they were] not enforced properly,” Da Rocha said.
He said most concerned residents resented the fireworks because people had continued to discharge them, well after New Year’s Eve. As such, he had set up an online petition for the ban of fireworks in Joburg.
“The petition has gone viral. This is evident that a large number of people are frustrated by fireworks. I have reached 5 600 and [it is] growing since I set it up after 31 December. My reasons for this petition? I’m taking my residents’ pleas very seriously. I hope this petition will make an impact,” he said.
EMS spokesperson Robert Malaudzi said, “The bylaws state that no one under the age of 16 is allowed to handle or use fireworks, except if they are supervised by an adult. Retailers may not sell fireworks to a child under the age of 16.
“Also, fireworks are prohibited in certain areas, including inside buildings, on agricultural holdings, at schools, old age homes or hospitals, and within 500m of an explosives factory, explosives storage or petrol station.”
Da Rocha added, “I feel the regulations are not being enforced properly, and not much effort is being made to curb the illegal and uncontrolled sale of fireworks. Fireworks can [even] be bought at the robots.”
Details: Find the petition on www. ward66jhb.co.za; https://ward66jhb.co.za/petition-for-the-total-ban-on-fireworks-in-johannesburg/; or call councillor Carlos da Rocha on 083 447 3648.
