FACT applauds reduced fireworks use
Fireworks Action Campaign-Toti (FACT) applauds authorities who have come out in the press over the last few months to uphold the National Act governing fireworks, as well as the municipal bylaws regulating the use of fireworks.
“The area experienced one of the quietest celebrations of festivities during Diwali and Guy Fawkes and we believe the stance taken by authorities as well as ongoing awareness campaigns has contributed to the decline in the use of fireworks during these times,” said Lee Lewis of FACT.
“We appeal to locals and visitors to our beautiful area to respect the laws as well as the residents, pets, flora and wildlife.”
Walkers along the beaches will notice various initiatives to rehabilitate the dunes and increasingly species like the white fronted plover are returning to nest in habitat.
“The toxic effects of fireworks and the debris left behind is a death sentence to many of our species in the animal kingdom and pollutes the soil.
The well-published effect on our pets and the subsequent horror that organisations like the SPCA has to deal with every year should be motivation for all to refrain from setting off fireworks and adhere to the laws created to protect and nurture a civilised society,” said Lee.
City manager of eThekwini Municipality, Sibusiso Sithole issued a public notice stating that, in terms of Regulation 10.34: “It is unlawful for any person to use or explode any fireworks:
1. Within 500 metres of any explosive magazine, explosive factory, petroleum depot, gasometer;
2. Any building or any public thoroughfare;
3. Any public place or resort, except with the prior written permission of the local authority.
It is illegal for hawkers to sell fireworks as well as to purchase fireworks from hawkers. Please refrain from this and report abuses to Metro Police on these numbers: 031-361-0000 (Metro Police Call Centre), 031-910-7300 (Metro Police Isipingo), 031-910-7323 (Metro Police Isipingo), 1011 – SAPS, 031-904-2424 (SPCA Amanzimtoti) or 031-579-65121 (SPCA Durban).
