Residents outraged over annual fireworks display, suggest a ban
According to a media release, the municipality "will put measures in place to ensure the fireworks display has minimal impact on the areas in the vicinity of the dam".
POLOKWANE – The annual switching on of the festive lights is a tradition in the city to usher in the festive season.
Read more: Annual festive lights ceremony – fun for the whole family
It is often accompanied by live entertainment and a fireworks display at the Flora Park Dam.
This, however, puts the municipality in direct contravention of several of their own bylaws (Noise Control Bylaws).
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The municipality’s Noise Bylaw prohibits the “use or discharge of any explosive, firearm or similar device that emits sounds and may cause a noise nuisance, or allow such actions”. It also states “no person may make, produce or cause a disturbing noise, or allow it to be made, produced or caused by any person, animal, machine, device or apparatus or any combination thereof.”
Review’s Facebook page was inundated with outraged residents commenting on the fireworks display.
Last year the municipality also promised to look into finding another venue, other than one within a residential area, for this event and the accompanying fireworks display.
These promises have still not been honoured as this year’s venue is again at the Flora Park Dam.
According to a media release, the municipality “will put measures in place to ensure the fireworks display has minimal impact on the areas in the vicinity of the dam”.
Municipal Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, said: “The municipality is always sensitive around issues of public disturbance hence the planning of all events considers the bylaws and other regulations related to events management. We ensure compliance thereof. We always ensure all affected stakeholders are notified in time so they can take precautionary measures in favour of their pets. As a result, we have over the past few years used fireworks that did not result in excessive noise”.
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He added the municipality is fully compliant with legislation and has no intention of non-adherence. “We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused by this once-off event.”
Last year the then spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, said the municipality was meeting with community safety members to get a report of incidents which happened over the holiday.
Chuene said the report would then be given through to council to figure out the best way to deal with the firework issue. “We will be looking at possible solutions to the problem and especially the enforcement of the Explosives Act 26 and the different bylaws connected to the use of fireworks,” Chuene said.
She said one of the possible solutions will be to get a designated area like the Polokwane Show Grounds, but that it would still be determined. This has seemingly not been finalised as this year’s annual switching on of the festive lights will take place at the Flora Park Dam in Suid Street and will again be accompanied by a fireworks display and live entertainment.
