The Municipality of Mariental has prohibited residents and visitors from setting off fireworks within the town for New Year’s Eve.
Fireworks have been classified as explosives by the police due to noise pollution, being a fire hazard, and the potential of causing severe injuries and property damage.
The municipality has instead designated the open market close to the fire station for fireworks not deemed as dangerous, such as crackers.
Chief fire officer Dirk Cloete says certified pyrotechnic technicians will be authorised to set off firework displays during New Year’s Eve celebrations so as not to disrupt elderly residents or damage property.
“There are concerns of property damage, noise and air pollution, as well as the disruption of vulnerable populations such as the elderly and animals.
“Due to this, only certified pyrotechnics are allowed to set this off as public display,” he says.
Pyrotechnic technicians are responsible for the safe handling of firework displays and special effects such as explosives in film productions.
Cloete says a designated area for residents who wish to set off crackers and sparklers has been allocated at the open market next to the town’s fire station.
He urges residents who wish to hold firework displays as an organised event to obtain permits from the municipality and the police inspector general.
