Cape Town has geared up itself for the New Year and so does the enforcement department. The city is gearing up for a busy New Year’s Eve with more than 35,000 people expected at the Waterfront’s fireworks celebration.
The team has advised the motorists to expect congestion on some roads while the residents and visitor are reminded that setting off the fireworks are not allowed without a permit. The New Year’s Eve is here and the City of Cape Town enforcement services are gearing up for the celebrations and increase in visitors to beaches, public spaces and party spots.
Reportedly, beaches will be at particular focus area, considering the other city facilities and public amenities that will also be monitored by enforcement staff. The City of Cape Town has also urged residents to celebrate responsibly with due regard for their own safety and that of those around them.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that he want to urge residents to celebrate responsibly especially if they will have children along and to take cognisance of their own safety and those around them.
According to Smith, the staff will be going to extra mile to ensure safety across the city. They want to thank all the departments as within the city and the external partners, who will be working hard to make the celebrations safe for everyone.
“I want to encourage the public to work with enforcement staff so we can all ring in the New Year with fanfare,” said JP Smith. Enforcement team has also reminded the public that they can be fined for setting off fireworks with any permit. Selling fireworks to anyone under age 16 or allowing the person younger than 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision can be dangerous.
Alderman Smith added that despite the trauma and stress caused to pets and neighbourhoods, there are still some people who feel delighted in setting off the fireworks. He said that every year they receive numerous calls of fireworks disturbances and injuries caused by the mini explosions. He and his team encourage residents to supervise children and to celebrate responsibly.
One might not explode fireworks within 200 metres of any hospital, clinic, petrol station, old-age home, nursing home or animal welfare organisation, inside any building or on a public street, in any other public place or recreational area, unless you have valid permission to so.
The public is reminded to adhere to instructions from any enforcement staff and lifeguards. Residents are requested to report any incident, suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the Public Emergency Communication Centre for City of Cape Town.