George Municipality prepares for smooth transition into the new year

Cape Town – The George municipality is gearing up for a safe and smooth transition into the new year.

In the lead up to New Year’s Eve celebrations, George Municipality has visited a total of 26 shops in the greater George area over the past 11 days, issuing six fines totalling R14 000 and confiscated illegal fireworks with an approximate retail value of R9 200.

The municipality’s Chantel Edwards-Klose, confirmed that the setting off of fireworks is prohibited.

“We remind the public that due to the high fire risk, the setting off, and possession of fireworks, fire crackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed. The fireworks confiscated by our Law Enforcement Officials will be handed over to the SAPS Mossel Bay Explosives unit for disposal.

“George has strict firework legislation and according to the by-law on Community Safety, Section 58 (13) no person may discharge fireworks outside of a designated Fire Works Area. No Fire Works area has been made available in George and should someone be caught discharging a firework, a flare or lighting a Chinese lantern a fine of R1 000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.”

Edwards-Klose further explained that the setting off of marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible, especially because it wastes time and resources which could be used for real emergencies.

“NSRI is compelled to log and investigate each and every incident in case it is a real emergency which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and, more seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, we suspect are also probably out of date.

“Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly. Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute and you are left with an uncontrolled flare which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.”

She added that the municipality will enforce the applicable by-laws and additional Law Enforcement officials will be deployed at various areas and beaches on New Year’s Eve to attend to fireworks complaints.

“This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses. Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.”

Furthermore the municipality has also urged residents to not swim nor partake in any watersports in the Touws River after water samples taken from the river failed the quality test on Tuesday afternoon.

Edwards-Klose also confirmed that the water quality of the Touws River has no impact on the drinking water for the Wilderness area, as rumoured.

Edwards-Klose added even though the samples taken had showed considerable improvement, precautionary measures had to be put in place.

“Water sampling will continue to be taken twice daily to monitor water quality; next results due this afternoon, and as soon as the situation has stabilised the municipality will advise the public accordingly.”

The municipality which is on the road of recovery from the flash floods which affected the town in November, has also urged residents to use water sparingly after identifying further infrastructure damage, caused by the flood.

According to a municipal report, three major pipe bursts have taken place over the past 24 hours.

“The residents and visitors to George are urgently requested to use water sparingly over the next 48 hours as the pipe bursts will affect water supply to a large portion of the city. The municipality is managing this crisis.”

Edwards-Klose confirmed that water tankers will be in position at the Millies Superette and Blanco Community Hall.

“If you have no water please call in to the Garden Route Disaster Management Call Centre (24/7) on 044 805 5071 or George Municipal Civil Engineering Services Call Centre 044 801 9262/6 – please provide contact details, street address and time when water supply stopped.

“Please do not report low water pressure – this is to be expected and we are fully aware of the issue.”

Weekend Argus