RESIDENTS of Paarl will have to brace themselves for another mammoth firework display on the foothills of Paarl Mountain on New Year’s Eve, when Grande Roche will again terrorise this area with explosives.
Local residents in the direct area of Grande Roche have been trying to stop these displays for years, but their objections have only fallen on deaf ears - perhaps, said one resident, precisely due to the fireworks.
Well-known Paarl resident Bram Potgieter, who lives close to the estate, has been at the forefront of these protests.
Last year a concerted drive was launched by local residents after animals fled their homes, one being killed when he landed in front of a car, during a firework display as part of a wedding celebration.
“We have thus far collected more than 300 letters objecting to the Grande Roche firework display, as well as numerous e-mails.
“This was handed to the council and we thought that surely the objection of the majority of residents within the proximity of the hotel would be adhered to.
“But last week we received letters from the municipality in our postbox, notifying us that the firework display will go ahead.
“This is something that the majority of residents in this area do not want, so why does the municipality turn a blind eye?
“Each New Year I have to make sure that my pets are safe, as they go hysterical when the blasts start.”
Anton Els told of his terrified dog.
“Two years ago, one of my dogs broke through the fence, ran away and was found the next day with all four paws bleeding. They had worn through to the meat and tissue. I paid for the veterinary costs, but he has never been the same since. “The excuse that is used for the the fireworks display, is that it is to the benefit of overseas visitors. If this was the case, have the display away from the residential areas, and take the guests there by vehicle. It is not the visitors’ pets that are traumatised, but the residents’ whose homes are here.
Residents are also confused at the wording of the memo, “The Municipality is contractually bound to honour this permission”.
“Should the municipality not be contractually bound to honour the requests of their tax paying citizens?” asked resident.
Municipal spokesperson Anthony Sauls, said that the decision to grant permission for the firework display was taken by the Mayoral Committee after due consideration.
“A notice that was distributed to affected residents contains a sentence which was, for good reasons, applicable with last year’s display, but is not applicable this year. We regret this oversight.”
