By our reporter
KIGEZI
As we bid farewell to the festive season and welcome the new year, it is important to highlight the guidelines for a safe and enjoyable fireworks display. The Kigezi region, known for its vibrant celebrations, police has established certain measures to ensure the safety of all participants.
ASP Elly Maate revealed that only individuals who have obtained permission from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) are allowed to display fireworks and anyone found conducting a display without proper authorization may face legal consequences. This measure is in place to guarantee that the fireworks are handled responsibly and by qualified personnel.
Maate said those responsible for firing the display must be experienced professionals as their expertise ensures that the fireworks are set off safely and efficiently and that the duration of the display should not exceed five minutes to minimize risks and potential accidents.
Another crucial aspect is crowd control where the proprietors were tasked to ensure that the firing position is free from any individuals during the display. This precautionary measure prevents any accidental injuries and guarantees the safety of both the spectators and the operators.In addition to crowd control, it is imperative to have fire extinguishers readily available in the vicinity of the fireworks display. A minimum of ten fire extinguishers should be provided to handle any unforeseen circumstances. The proprietors habe also been asked to inform the local community through the media and local authorities about the timing and location of the display. This ensures that residents are aware and able to take necessary precautions.
Maate said that in order to enforce these guidelines, the territorial police and sister security forces have established task teams to monitor adherence. Their main objective is to coordinate all activities related to the fireworks display and ensure that safety measures are followed strictly.