VIDEO: Beer bottles break neighbours’ spirits
Some of the beer bottles were spread out so far that complex entrances and driveways were obstructed by their presence
On September 14, the WITBANK NEWS received multiple complaints from readers pertaining to the state of the area in and around Alexander Street.
A local school had rented out their premises for a spring music festival, and it seems that locals don’t know how to “reuse, reduce” or “recycle” as after a night of joviality, they managed to forget hundreds of beer bottles lying at the side of the road.
Some of the beer bottles were spread out so far that complex entrances and driveways were obstructed by their presence.
One of our readers, who will remain anonymous, wrote us the following message – pleading for help:
“I hope someone will be able to help. There’s a Spring Festival tonight in Alexander Street with excessive noise. They did hand out letters in our neighbourhood to inform us that there will be noise until late but the neighbourhood people are upset. It’s “doef doef doef”-music all evening and the dogs get upset. Not only that, but the streets were impassable because people park everywhere and the liquor flows freely. Enough to make one feel unsafe! The thing is they are supposed to rent sport stadiums for such events but of course it’s cheaper to rent somewhere in town. It’s worse than New Year’s crackers! Who can ask to file a petition to vote against such events happening in the suburbs between houses? Or can you perhaps write something about this that can draw the attention of the right people to this? Please…”
The spring music festival went off without a hitch and was greatly enjoyed by all who attended; but it remains a pity that litter was left at the side of the road by those who had attended.
What are the steps involved in organising a large gathering
With the summer and festive season approaching, Witbank Police wants to bring the following to the attention of all members of the public who are planning public events and gatherings.
Applications for events should be made at least four months in advance.
The following procedures need to be followed:
Firstly, the event organiser must apply at the station commander of Witbank SAPS for the event to be categorized by the provincial commissioner of SAPS Mpumalanga.
Thereafter, the event organiser must schedule a meeting with the local municipality law enforcement section.
After this, the event must be advertised in the local newspaper.
Thereafter the event must be advertised in the provincial government gazette.
After the approval of the event by the local municipality, the approved application must be handed to the local SAPS liquor officer, Mr Hennie Bester for an onsite inspection.
Lastly the application with the SAPS inspection report must be taken to the Mpumalanga economic regulators in White River.
Only after their approval can the event take place.
The station commander of Witbank SAPS Brigadier Lindiwe Ndlovu requests all organisers of events to adhere to these procedures and apply in time for public events.
