Good news on fireworks ban

ALTHOUGH some Windhoek residents may grumble about the Municipal Explosions Act, which bans the use of fireworks in municipal areas, the Windhoek municipality says most people observed the ban this New Year’s Eve.

Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, the Acting Chief of the Windhoek City Police, Gerry Shikesho, said that no fines were issued for the unauthorised explosion of fireworks. Likewise, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said yesterday that, “for the first year ever”, no panic-stricken dogs or cats needed to be rescued from the streets as a result of unruly celebrations.”We actually have to compliment members of the community for working with us in not only keeping fireworks out of residential areas, but also in helping us to curb crime in the city,” Shikesho said.His praise doesn’t mean that everyone complied with the law, however.City Police officers had to warn a number of parents to curb their children’s merrymaking.”There are obviously some small things that people bought from markets, and they caused a bit of a public nuisance.But most of the trespassers were kids”, Shikesho said, adding that the Police had confiscated these fireworks and warned the children’s parents.One contributing factor to this year’s improved fireworks handling appears to have been the venue of the official New Year’s celebrations at the Sam Nujoma Soccer Stadium rather than in the city centre, observers say.According to the Explosions Act, anyone wishing to use fireworks during the festive season must first apply in writing for permission from the Chief Inspector of Explosives.”Using fireworks without this permission and anywhere within the municipal area is a punishable offence,” the City of Windhoek warned last month.Likewise, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said yesterday that, “for the first year ever”, no panic-stricken dogs or cats needed to be rescued from the streets as a result of unruly celebrations.”We actually have to compliment members of the community for working with us in not only keeping fireworks out of residential areas, but also in helping us to curb crime in the city,” Shikesho said.His praise doesn’t mean that everyone complied with the law, however. City Police officers had to warn a number of parents to curb their children’s merrymaking.”There are obviously some small things that people bought from markets, and they caused a bit of a public nuisance. But most of the trespassers were kids”, Shikesho said, adding that the Police had confiscated these fireworks and warned the children’s parents.One contributing factor to this year’s improved fireworks handling appears to have been the venue of the official New Year’s celebrations at the Sam Nujoma Soccer Stadium rather than in the city centre, observers say.According to the Explosions Act, anyone wishing to use fireworks during the festive season must first apply in writing for permission from the Chief Inspector of Explosives.”Using fireworks without this permission and anywhere within the municipal area is a punishable offence,” the City of Windhoek warned last month.