Cape Town - The City of Cape Town has approved 12 sites for the discharging of fireworks during Guy Fawkes Day on Sunday, safety and security mayoral committee member JP Smith said on Sunday.
The list of sites is as follows:
* Athlone Stadium parking area (eastern side), Klipfontein Road, Athlone
* Wesfleur sports field, Reygersdal Drive, Atlantis
* Bishop Lavis sports field, Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis
* Metropolitan sports grounds, Melkhout Street, Bonteheuwel
* Blue Downs sports field
* Maiden’s Cove parking area, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
* Delft Central sports grounds, Main Road, Delft
* Macassar Beach parking area, Macassar Road
* Swartklip sports complex, Swartklip Road, Mitchells Plain
* Sarepta sports complex
* Strandfontein Pavilion
* Tourism Centre, Athens Road, Table View beachfront (with the following road closures: Marine Drive between Dolphin Beach Hotel and Marine Circle; Waves Edge will be closed off at Athens Road, Popham and Dunbar Streets).
Smith said: "It is a concern that Guy Fawkes is on a Sunday this year, which means that there could potentially be an increase in the number of complaints from the public about fireworks in their neighbourhoods, terrorised pets and of course the blatant assault of innocent people by marauding gangs who derive great pleasure from targeting their victims with paint, eggs and even faeces.
"We implore the public to please be sensible about their use of fireworks and to respect the rights of others who do not share their enthusiasm for the tradition. We also appeal to pet owners to keep their animals indoors as far as possible," he said.
With Guy Fawkes traditionally commemorated on November 5, law enforcement, Fire and Rescue, and the Disaster Risk Management Centre will be involved in discharging fireworks, Smith added
He also said the City's Joint Operations Centre would activate at 6pm on Sunday with 253 officials deployed at the 12 sites.
The City also reminded residents:
* To only discharge fireworks bought at an accredited shop and to follow the instructions on the package
* To only discharge fireworks at the designated sites, out of range of any persons, structures or vehicles
* That children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks
* To not light fireworks inside any type of container
* To not discharge fireworks while under the influence of intoxicating substances
* That the use of Chinese lanterns is prohibited.
In terms of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956, the use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare is liable to a R200 fine; selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is liable to a R300 fine; allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is liable to a R300 fine.