Maiden’s Cove is one of the 12 sites approved by the City of Cape Town for the discharge of fireworks during Guy Fawkes, Diwali and New Year’s Eve this year.
This is up from eight last year. The list was approved after consultation between emergency services, law enforcement, and the various sub-councils.
The increase in the number of sites seeks to minimise the temptation to discharge fireworks from unsupervised areas. The City’s Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said: “A number of additional sites were proposed by ward councillors, but these did not meet the safety criteria and so we had to reject them. We have also removed Theo Marais Park in Milnerton from the list of sites following objections from the public. Sunrise Beach has also been removed, in part due to the traffic congestion.”
The City said all designated fireworks areas will be patrolled by City Law Enforcement and Metro police as well as a fire inspector. Anyone under the age of 16 is not permitted to discharge fireworks and 11pm is the cut-off time on both Guy Fawkes and Diwali, with New Year’s Eve being the exception.
Mr Smith added: “I hope that residents can appreciate the massive logistical exercise we deal with every year, as well as the costs associated with deploying staff to all of these areas. We could look at designating more sites, but we simply do not have the budget or the resources. I appeal to the public to use fireworks responsibly to prevent injuries, and to take into account the effect fireworks have on those residents who do not partake in these activities. We have confiscated fireworks in previous years and issued fines for the illegal discharge of fireworks and we will do so again this year if need be.”
Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks should report this to the Metro police call centre on 0860-POLICE (765 423) or to the South African Police Services on 10111. General emergencies can be directed via the City’s Public Emergency Call Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.