The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality wishes to appeal to the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay to act responsibly regarding the discharging of fireworks on Guy Fawkes Day, 5 November 2012. It should be remembered that fireworks are potentially dangerous and that the indiscriminate discharging thereof is irritating to others and experienced as traumatic by animals. Every year, cases are reported of terrified pets scaling walls and getting lost, maimed or killed on our roads.
In that regard, the Municipality appeals to all pet owners to preferably keep their pets indoors or at least locked up over the period, and to constantly monitor their condition.
The Municipality has designated the following places at which fireworks may be legally discharged, as stipulated in the Explosives Act, No. 26 of 1956:
- All Public Parks and developed public open spaces, except Settlers and St George’s Parks and proclaimed nature reserves, provided such public open space is not within 250 m of a hospital, veterinary surgery, animal shelter, old age home, petrol filling station and storage for petroleum and other flammable products.
- Sandy beach areas in Port Elizabeth (sand dunes excluded) of Joorst Park, Wells Estate Beach, Bluewater Bay Beach and King’s Beach (from Supertubes to beacon opposite Admiralty Drive.
- Areas in Uitenhage: Open areas between Lovebird Street and Tiryville, Kamesh and Maduna Roads, Uitenhage Rugby Club, corner of Drostdy and Market Streets, Uitenhage.
- Areas in KwaNobuhle: Open area between Mqolomba and Jabavu Roads, and between Ponana Tini and Tize Streets.
- Area in Despatch: Open area across from waterwheel in Main Street.
It should be emphasised that fireworks may be discharged on Monday, 5 November 2012 only between 19:00 and 21:00. Unfortunately, numerous incidents are annually recorded where residents discharge fireworks on a number of days preceding and following Guy Fawkes Day.
Applications for this purpose may be faxed to 041 506 3305 or hand-delivered to office 1203, Lillian Diedericks Building, Govan Mbeki Avenue or mailed to the Executive Director: Corporate Services, PO Box 116, Port Elizabeth.
The Municipality will, on application, designate private open spaces as envisaged in Section 2(c) of the Fireworks By-Law, subject to being situated in compliance with (a) above.
A person who is found using or discharging fireworks unlawfully in terms of Chapter 10.34 of the Explosives Act, No. 26 of 1956, will be fined a R2 000.00 admission of guilt fine.
Residents who wish to report the unlawful discharging of fireworks can contact their nearest Police station or call the Fire Emergency Control Room at 041-508 5566.
