The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has finalised its deployment plan for Guy Fawkes celebrations on Sunday, 5 November 2017. Fire and Rescue Service and Disaster Risk Management Centre, as well as all enforcement agencies have been involved in preparatory meetings ahead of fireworks expected on Sunday.
“It is a concern that Guy Fawkes is on a Sunday this year, which means that there could potentially be an increase in the number of complaints from the public about fireworks in their neighbourhoods, terrorised pets, and of course the blatant assault of innocent people by marauding gangs who derive great pleasure from targeting their victims with paint, eggs and even faeces. We implore the public to please be sensible about their use of fireworks and to respect the rights of others who do not share their enthusiasm for the tradition. We also appeal to pet owners to keep their animals indoors as far as possible,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.
12 sites have been approved by the City for the discharging of fireworks during Guy Fawkes and New Years Eve celebrations. These are sites:
– 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)
The designated fireworks area will be patrolled by City Law Enforcement and Metro Police officers, as well as a fire inspector to ensure safety. No one under the age of 16 is permitted to discharge fireworks and that 23:30 is the cut-off time in Guy Fawkes, with New Year’s Eve being the exception.
Residents are reminded of the following:
– Only discharge fireworks bought at an accredited shop and follow the instructions on the package
– Only discharge fireworks at the designated sites, out of range of any persons, structures or vehicles
– Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks
– Do not light fireworks inside any type of container
– Never discharge fireworks while under the influence of intoxicating substances
– The Community Fire Safety By-law prohibits the use of Chinese lanterns
The City reminds residents that there are fines involved with irresponsible handling of fireworks
‘In terms of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956, the use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare is liable to a R200 fine; selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is liable to a R300 fine; and allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is liable to a R300 fine.’
Photography Pexels