A BY-LAW to ban all fireworks in residential areas and public open spaces in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro has been standing idle since 2013.
The motion to ban all fireworks was initiated by DA spokesperson for safety and security, Gustav Rautenbach, in November 2013, and was approved by council.
However, attempts to have the by-law passed have been stalled.
According to Rautenbach, it is now years later and still no progress as per resolution was reported on.
“This matter is, in fact outstanding since November 26, 2013, when council approved this. It has been six years since then.
“There were many outcries from all concerned parties to ban the discharge of fireworks. However, no progress has been made to fully pass and implement the by-law,” Rautenbach said.
With Guy Fawkes night taking place on November 5, some of the concerns raised were the consequences that the fireworks have on people and animals, particularly the noise they make.
Rautenbach said that over the last couple of years many residents, the Animal Welfare Society, as well as other concerned parties have raised their concerns regarding the effect of discharging fireworks in residential suburbs and public open spaces.
His motion also argues that fireworks can have an adverse environmental impact, and cause harm for animals and residents.
He added, “Several fires and injuries have been attributed to the use of consumer fireworks in recent years.
“Also there are other cities that have already banned the use of fireworks. However, I also know there are people who make use of fireworks for religious purposes and I respect that.”
Lalla’s Spices in Port Elizabeth, known for selling a range of fireworks, decided to no longer sell fireworks.
Anil Kooverjee from Lalla’s Spices, said they believe in social responsibility as a business and they decided to go green and share the sentiments of pet lovers.
Kooverjee added, “We have almost sold out our limited stock that we ordered for Diwali; however there are still a few left. We would like to inform residents that we will no longer sell fireworks for any occation, including Guy Fawkes.”
According to communication received from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) a few months ago, Rautenbach said that they are planning to start with a public participation process, amounting to more than R1 million.
Municipal spokesperson, Kupido Baron, said that the NMBM’s legal services department finished the draft by-law and the public participation process must now be funded to finalise this critical process.
He added, “The amounts mentioned were informal estimates and no money was spent in this regard. We did request a formal quotation from the service provider of what the public participation process could cost us. In this regard, we will still need to apply our minds how best to implement this process,” Baron said.
