The Emalahleni Local Municipality has issued a public notice outlining the regulations for the sale and display of fireworks during the festive season.

The notice is in line with the ELM Community Fire Safety By-laws and aims to promote a safe and healthy environment for local communities.

The municipality has designated specific areas where fireworks may be discharged on Tuesday, December 31, from 23:00 to 01:00, and on January 1.

These areas include:

• Lynnville Tennis Court
• Open space next to Sy-Mthimunye Stadium
• Empumelelweni sports field
• Emsagweni sports field (next to Extension 14)
• Klipfontein Dam
• Ga-Nala sports field (next to the civic centre)
• Ga-Nala rugby field
• Pine Ridge Stadium
• Eric Liberty sports field
• Thubelihle sports field
• Hlalanikahle sports field (Hlalanikahle Extension 4)
• Puma Stadium
• Phola open space (next to Phola Police Station)

The municipality has also outlined rules for the control of fireworks, including:

– No person may light, ignite, or detonate in any place where animals are present.

– No person under 16 years old may purchase fireworks from any retail dealer or possess any fireworks, light, or ignite any fireworks.

– Unless so authorised in terms of section 55 of the by-law, no person may light or ignite fireworks on any day or at any time, except on New Year’s Eve from 23:00 to 01:00.

Regarding the sale and dealing with fireworks, the municipality has stipulated that:

• No person may sell fireworks unless he/she holds the required fireworks license issued in terms of the Explosives Act, 2003 (Act No. 15 of 2003).
• The sale of fireworks must be done with written authority from both the South African Police Services and the municipal chief fire officer.
• The import and sale of fireworks without the necessary permissions outlined in the Explosives Act is illegal.

The public is urged to report any illegal sale and display of fireworks in undesignated areas to the following municipal call centre number: 013 690 6222/6333/6444.

In case of emergencies, the public can contact the following officials:

• Traffic: Samuel Sibiya – 082 874 8036.
• Fire and Rescue Services: Dennis Ground – 082 330 1359.
• Disaster Management: Edie Tsuka – 078 596 9827.
• By Law Enforcement: Pat Mashinini – 082 849 7824, Tankiso Tjiane – 082 392 4299.

Also read:

Help your pet survive the New Year’s eve fire works displays

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