JOHANNESBURG - Joburg EMS Acting Chief Clement Masinge says the city will enforce compliance without compromise as part of its festive season public safety drive.
Officials are inspecting buildings, businesses, and trading areas to reduce fire risks, enforce by-laws and clamp down on unsafe handling and sales of fireworks.
Masinge acknowledged the challenges of dealing with occupants when language barriers exist, but confirmed they managed to contact a building caretaker where fireworks were being stored.
Upon inspection, officials found boxes full of fireworks.
“This is not the only room where they’re being stored. We’ll keep moving around,” Masinge said.
Most of the facilities in the building do not comply with city bylaws.
“For that, we are going to close them down until they resolve compliance issues with the City of Joburg,” Masinge added.