Fireworks display causes outrage

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The Maronite’s annual festival has been taking place for 15 years, since Our Lady of Lebanon Church was built, and every year during the festivities there is a fireworks display.

While attendees enjoy the explosions, some of their neighbours at Aspen Hills Nature Estate are not impressed as they are concerned about animals in the area.

The festival was held on May 31, and now, two weeks later, residents are still voicing their concerns and objections.

Two residents of Aspen Hills Nature Estate, who asked to remain anonymous, called the CHRONICLE to complain that the 20 minute fireworks display was traumatic to animals in the area.

“We had dogs crying in our estate. Is it necessary in this day and age to have fireworks? Is it part of the religion? Is it a must to have fireworks? I just want to know why they are getting permission for fireworks in a residential area,” said one of the residents.

Michelle Nassif, event organiser, said all necessary permission documents were acquired from the council and that since the festival started, there has only been two complaints. A complaint was received in 2013 from Ward 23 councillor Paul Smit and from residents this year.

“Every year, for the past 15 years, we have applied for and received the necessary permits to hold a fireworks display,” explained Nassif.

Smit said he is totally against fireworks being set-off in residential areas although he has, in the past, issued permission letters to the church for events.

“They’re supposed to come to me every year for permission. I generally don’t get complaints from residents but I don’t condone fireworks in residential areas. There is no continuation on the letters I give. For every event they (applicants) have to apply to me and JOC. I did not know anything about the event last week,” said Smit. The last letter issued by Smit to Maronite was on March 19.