Residents hand over petition to ban fireworks

A PETITION with more than 700 signatures calling for a ban on fireworks was handed over to Durban North ward councillor Shaun Ryley last week. Local residents Pam Naude, Cheryl Watson and Andrea Ording-Jespersen said they were calling for a complete ban of loud bangs.

Last year, the Facebook group, called Petitioning Fireworks eThekwini, was launched by Ording-Jespersen who said residents aren’t simply fighting for innocent animals, but also people suffering from autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as the elderly.

Durban North resident, Cheryl Watson, said she hoped the petition would force the City to formulate policies to police fireworks and loud bangs.

“We are tired of people neglecting the by-laws and showing little regard and respect for fellow community members. There are more than 700 signatures on this petition to ban fireworks and loud bangs. It’s just ridiculous that there are no official laws to prosecute offenders. We are determined to see this through,” she said.

Durban North ward councillor Shaun Ryley said he hoped the petition was a catalyst for changing policy guidelines.

“For me it is most important that the City comes up with concrete legislation or a policy dealing with the discharge of fireworks. At the moment all that exists is a policy guideline and this is not sufficient if law enforcement officials are going to take appropriate action. The guidelines take bits and pieces of other legislation and policies that might pertain to fireworks and these are put together in a document termed ‘policy guidelines for fireworks’.

Ryley added the matter was a sensitive issue.

“That is of utmost importance due to our turbulent past and therefore a wholesale ban would not be a workable solution at the moment. But at least some form of policy to refer to will help in allowing both sides of the matter to enjoy the celebrations associated with fireworks,” he said.