The City of Cape Town has approved 12 sites for the discharging of fireworks during Guy Fawkes, Diwali and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The list was approved in consultation with the various subcouncils and in accordance with the City’s by-laws.
The list of sites is as follows:
• Athlone Stadium parking area (eastern side), Klipfontein Road, Athlone
• Wesfleur sports field, Reygersdal Drive, Atlantis
• Bishop Lavis sports field, Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis
• Metropolitan sports grounds, Melkhout Street, Bonteheuwel
• Blue Downs sports field
• Maiden’s Cove parking area, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
• Delft Central sports grounds, Main Road, Delft
• Macassar Beach parking area, Macassar Road
• Swartklip sports complex, Swartklip Road, Mitchells Plain
• Sarepta sports complex
• Strandfontein Pavilion
• Tourism Centre, Athens Road, Table View beachfront (with the following road closures: Marine Drive between Dolphin Beach Hotel and Marine Circle; Waves Edge will be closed off at Athens Road, Popham and Dunbar Streets)
As usual, all designated fireworks areas will be patrolled by City Law Enforcement and Metro Police as well as a fire inspector to ensure the safety of all concerned, in line with the City’s Organisational Development and Transformation Plan. The City reminds the public that no person under the age of 16 is permitted to discharge fireworks and that 23:30 is the cut-off time on both Guy Fawkes and Diwali, with New Year’s Eve being the exception.
‘The City calls on members of the public to use these designated sites responsibly and to refrain from discharging fireworks in areas not designated for the purpose. We devote significant resources to ensuring that these events are incident-free, but it is not just the City’s responsibility. Everyone needs to play a role. Furthermore, I call on fireworks enthusiasts to respect the rights of those who choose not to partake in these activities. Apart from policing the designated areas, the City’s enforcement services will also confiscate illegal fireworks and issue fines to individuals found to be contravening the relevant by-laws,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.
Below is a list of safety tips for the discharging of fireworks:
• Only discharge fireworks that are bought at an accredited shop
• ONLY DISCHARGE FIREWORKS AT THE DESIGNATED SITES
• Only use fireworks as directed by the instructions printed on the package
• Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks
• Do not discharge fireworks indoors
• Make sure that you discharge the fireworks out of range of spectators and any other structures or vehicles
• Do not try to re-ignite a ‘dud’ as it could explode near your hands or face
• Only light one firework at a time
• Do not make your own fireworks
• Do not light fireworks inside any type of container
• Never discharge fireworks while under the influence of intoxicating substances
‘We further remind the public that the use of Chinese lanterns is not permitted. The Community Fire Safety By-law clearly states that a person may not cause or permit a flame-emitting device, such as a candle, lantern or torch, to be used in a manner which is likely to create a fire hazard or other threatening danger. The designated fireworks sites allow us to supervise such activities in a controlled environment which beats the alternative of a free-for-all, but Chinese lanterns increase the risk of fire or incident as they’re left to float into the air and could land just about anywhere. Given the water situation, we can ill afford such actions so I call on the public to think before they act,’ added Alderman Smith.
CONTACT DETAILS
General emergencies can be directed via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks can report this to the Metro Police Call Centre on 0860-POLICE (765 423) or to the South African Police Service on 10111.
