Anti-fireworks petition gains momentum
With the New Year's festivities slowly looming the Durban duo are more determined than ever to have fireworks banned from the city.
EFFORTS to ban fireworks in the city of Durban are once again gaining momentum as residents prepare for the New Year festivities. Thus far, the initiative has collected approximately 280 signatures.
Heading the cause is Andrea Ording-Jespersen, a Durban North resident, and Di Kendall from Westville. The duo said they are no longer simply fighting for innocent animals, but also people suffering from autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as the elderly.
“We have received a number of letters from parents and people suffering from these conditions, explaining how fireworks are affecting them. Fireworks become a nightmare for these families,” said Ording-Jespersen.
The duo said they were tired of people neglecting the by-laws and showing little regard and respect for fellow community members.
What’s more they said fireworks posed a danger to children and animals as they are often injured during festivities.
To initiate the petition, the Durbanites turned to Facebook where they urged members of the community to print out the petition forms and to collect as many signatures as possible. The Facebook group, called Petitioning Fireworks eThekwini, has garnered support from over 2 800 followers.
“We have had an overwhelming response. But we know it is going to be a slow process. Every other effort to have fireworks banned in Durban has failed. But we are determined to see this through, even if it takes three years,” she said.
Ording-Jespersen urged the general public to take responsibility during the New Year’s festivities and to report the illegal shooting of fireworks and ‘big bangs’.
“We should ensure that the by-laws are being enforced. If you notice that your neighbours are shooting fireworks outside of the allocated times or firing big bangs, you have a responsibility to report it. It is not enough to call in and complain to police. Go to the police station. You have 24 hours to do so. Collect evidence, such as photos or videos and witnesses and open a case. “It is the only way that we can show that the abuse of the by-laws will not be tolerated,” she said.
Offenders face a fine of R1 500.
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