THE critical shortage of burial space in eThekwini was highlighted by newly appointed deputy mayor Belinda Scott during her opening speech at the 2nd Pan African Cemeteries and Crematoria Conference held in Durban this week.
Scott warned that the critical shortage of graveyards in Durban meant that by 2020 there would be no space available to bury people. She said the critical shortage of burial space had been prioritised by the newly installed leadership in eThekwini who were committed to finding a solution to the problem which had not enjoyed priority by the previous leadership.
The shortage of burial space in cities globally came under the spotlight at the Conference which was hosted by the South African Cemeteries Association (SACA) in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and eThekwini Municipality, at the Inkosi Albert International Convention Centre. It was revealed that Durban has 65 cemeteries which together contain 550 000 graves. Each gravesite holds an average of three bodies, amounting to 1.4 million graves. Most cemeteries in Durban are filled to capacity with only five cemeteries operational and less than 5000 gravesites available.
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Scott said burials were in high demand with the city conducting about 1000 burials every month. She said land had been identified in Vulamehlo, Cato Ridge and Hammarsdale and processes were underway to purchase the land. She added that this was only a short-term solution and that it was time for people to opt for alternative burial methods. It was noted that many people avoided cremation for religious and traditional reasons.
Professionals in the cemeteries and crematoria sector, academia and government officials who attended the conference, addressed innovative trends, international issues and solutions, and a broad range of concepts affecting the industry over the three-day conference. Also included was a trade exhibition, and a tour of some of the city’s cemeteries and crematoria together with site visits to places of significance to Durban.
The programme outlined the continuous effort to ensure the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources when making provision for the dead. Keynote address was by Dr Julie Rugg from the United Kingdom’s University of York, who outlined the importance of auditing of burial space, besides sharing her vast experience in the UK.
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