Going with a bang
Dave
Savides
CITY officials
are currently
examining and
amending by-laws
that will see the
end of the
commercial sale of
fireworks.
This will go hand in
hand with a total
ban on fireworks for
the general public,
who could face fines
of up to R5 000 or a
12 month prison term
for contravention.
Reacting to strong
public demand,
including SPCA
petitions heavily
promoted by the
Zululand Observer,
the uMhlathuze Fire
and Rescue
Department is
adamant that only
displays carried out
by competent
pyrotechnicians
should be allowed in
future.
Those experts, who
are registered with
the Chief Inspector
of Explosives, will
also be the only
people legally able
to acquire and
discharge fireworks.
‘If and when these
new by-laws are in
place we will revoke
all the licences
from current
fireworks dealers
and it will become
illegal to sell, buy
or possess
fireworks,’ said the
City’s Acting Chief
Fire Officer, Andy
Spies.
‘The mandate from
the public is clear
and we are
determined to rid
the City of
fireworks and their
traumatic and costly
effects in the hands
of irresponsible
people.
‘Thereafter,
permission to
discharge fireworks
for religious or
festive celebrations
must be obtained by
application in
writing, and will be
granted at our
discretion,’ said
Spies.
‘We could also
require that
intended displays
are advertised in
the press, restrict
the type and size of
fireworks used, and
stipulate fire
precautions and
safety measures to
be taken by an
applicant.’
