Fireworks remain illegal
Fireworks may be discharged in urban areas only if a special permit is issued by NamPol Explosives Unit and the local authority.
With New Year's celebrations kicking off this weekend Namibians are again warned that the use of fireworks is not permitted unless a special permit has been issued by relevant authorities.
Despite repeated reminders over the years that city and national laws forbid the use of fireworks, unless a permit has been issued by the NamPol Explosives Unit or relevant city authorities, many Namibians continue to buy and set off fireworks during the festive season.
The ban on fireworks has been in place for a number of years, and includes any types of fireworks, whether big or small, that can be bought at shops. The law requires sellers as well as buyers of fireworks to apply for permits separately, a law many are unaware of or ignore.
A NamPol Explosives Unit spokesperson yesterday confirmed that in line with the Namibian Explosives Act any person intending to use fireworks needs to register with the Explosives Unit.
“You have to register, you cannot use fireworks unless you have registered it with us,” the officer emphasised.
Windhoek City Police spokesperson Edmund Khoaseb warned that the use of fireworks in the Windhoek municipal area is strictly forbidden.
“If we catch you using fireworks we will issue a fine as well as confiscate any fireworks still in your possession,” he said.
He said any members of the public who are aware of illegal fireworks should immediately contact the City Police.
Because fireworks can cause animals to sustain serious injuries when they try to escape the noise, animal welfare organisations countrywide are preparing for the likely consequences of widespread and often illegal use of fireworks on Saturday night.
The Walvis Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has distributed thousands of flyers warning residents about the dangers to their pets and other animals.
A fireworks emergency group consisting of volunteers has been set up to help catch any animals running away in a blind panic.
Fireworks cause severe anxiety, fear and confusion in animals such as dogs, cats and wildlife, which have much more sensitive ears than humans.
Animals have been known to crash through glass doors and barbed-wire fences in their panic. The loud bangs can also damage an animal's ears.
Sylvia Breitenstein of the Windhoek SPCA says it is safest to keep pets indoors and stay with them to calm them down on New Year's Eve.
She says over the past decade she has witnessed pets trying to escape the sounds, smells and other effects of fireworks by escaping through burglar bars and jumping over high razor-wire fences, sustaining severe injuries in the process.
She says it is important that pet owners ensure the safety of their pets and make arrangements for their care if they won't be at home on New Year's Eve.
JANA-MARI SMITH
Despite repeated reminders over the years that city and national laws forbid the use of fireworks, unless a permit has been issued by the NamPol Explosives Unit or relevant city authorities, many Namibians continue to buy and set off fireworks during the festive season.
The ban on fireworks has been in place for a number of years, and includes any types of fireworks, whether big or small, that can be bought at shops. The law requires sellers as well as buyers of fireworks to apply for permits separately, a law many are unaware of or ignore.
A NamPol Explosives Unit spokesperson yesterday confirmed that in line with the Namibian Explosives Act any person intending to use fireworks needs to register with the Explosives Unit.
“You have to register, you cannot use fireworks unless you have registered it with us,” the officer emphasised.
Windhoek City Police spokesperson Edmund Khoaseb warned that the use of fireworks in the Windhoek municipal area is strictly forbidden.
“If we catch you using fireworks we will issue a fine as well as confiscate any fireworks still in your possession,” he said.
He said any members of the public who are aware of illegal fireworks should immediately contact the City Police.
Because fireworks can cause animals to sustain serious injuries when they try to escape the noise, animal welfare organisations countrywide are preparing for the likely consequences of widespread and often illegal use of fireworks on Saturday night.
The Walvis Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has distributed thousands of flyers warning residents about the dangers to their pets and other animals.
A fireworks emergency group consisting of volunteers has been set up to help catch any animals running away in a blind panic.
Fireworks cause severe anxiety, fear and confusion in animals such as dogs, cats and wildlife, which have much more sensitive ears than humans.
Animals have been known to crash through glass doors and barbed-wire fences in their panic. The loud bangs can also damage an animal's ears.
Sylvia Breitenstein of the Windhoek SPCA says it is safest to keep pets indoors and stay with them to calm them down on New Year's Eve.
She says over the past decade she has witnessed pets trying to escape the sounds, smells and other effects of fireworks by escaping through burglar bars and jumping over high razor-wire fences, sustaining severe injuries in the process.
She says it is important that pet owners ensure the safety of their pets and make arrangements for their care if they won't be at home on New Year's Eve.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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