POLOKWANE – The municipality has in no way taken into consideration the viewpoint of residents who recently strongly opposed the fireworks display, held in conjunction with the annual switching on of the festive lights in a residential area.
Read more: Residents outraged over annual fireworks display, suggest a ban
Several attempts from Review to meet with the mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng, or get her to personally answer to certain questions, were blocked.
“The annual festive lights event is traditionally held at the Flora Park dam. The event attracts many people who come from all over the city, including those within the vicinity of the dam. The event does not only involve fireworks, but also the switching on of the festive lights at the park,” Matshidiso Mothapo, Municipal Spokesperson, said in answer to a question on why this event, and the setting off of fireworks, is held in a residential area.
Read more: Annual festive lights ceremony – fun for the whole family
He did not comment about a promise the municipality made last year that they would consider moving the event to the showgrounds or another venue.
Asked about the issue of the municipality grant exemptions on the bylaws as it suits them and the granting of permission for events such as the fireworks display and musical festivals, seemingly inconsiderate to people and animals, Mothapo answered: “We have stated previously the municipality can never be a player and a referee at the same time since there are organs of state responsible for the enforcement of different legislation relevant to this type of event. It is therefore a wrong assertion to create an impression the municipality is bending the rules.
“The municipality is sensitive to pets and their owners and that is why we also issue prior communication and a list of precautionary tips to pet owners.” He did not comment on why there were no restrictions in the bylaws on noise control as are in other cities’ bylaws, which prohibit fireworks being discharged within 500 m from a fuel station, 1 000 m from a residence for the elderly and 500 m from schools.
He also did not answer as to why the letters of some complainants to the municipal manager on the matter, were not answered.
Some residents even considered trying to get an interdict against the municipality, to which Mothapo said they will be exercising their right to representation.
“The municipality has an open door policy and will continue to consider any reasonable suggestions brought to its attention by the public.”
With regard to people discharging fireworks on New Year’s Eve, he added: “The discharging of fireworks on New Year’s Eve is what people globally consider to be celebration. This should be done in a responsible manner, however, and in consideration of the law and other people.”
He added the police in support of the municipality are responsible for the enforcement of the Act regulating fireworks.
“The reality is, even if we were to designate a special area for fireworks, many residents would still discharge fireworks at their areas of comfort. Currently the municipality does not have the capacity to be all over the area. The municipality urges the public to handle fireworks responsibly and to consider several factors when doing so.”
These include:
• Obey local laws. Report illegal explosives to the police.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Strive for the preservation of life and prevention of injuries.
Mothapo said fireworks may be discharged from 23:45 on New Year’s Eve of each year until 00:15 of the New Year.
