Cemetery still in need of care
The section of the cemetery along Prince George Avenue has finally seen some maintenance, but more work is required.
The state of the Brakpan Cemetery continues to raise concerns as there is little sign of improvement.
As reported in the Brakpan Herald’s January 19 edition (Brakpan Cemetery continues to be neglected), nature has practically taken over the cemetery, turning the graveyard into a mini forest with roots tipping over tombstones and breaking through the paving.
At the time, the Herald observed damaged and knocked-over tombstones. Vagrants had reportedly stolen some, the reason for which is unknown.
In the buildings on the premises, which have been reduced to crumbling walls, vagrants had moved in. It was also reported that the cemetery is believed to be a hideout for criminals.
The overgrown state of the cemetery allows them to hide from police and security personnel fairly easily.
According to Ward 97 Clr Brandon Pretorius, the primary reason for the cemetery’s state of neglect is the non-appointment of contractors.
“The failing coalition partners have not appointed grass-cutting contractors while the available budget for grass-cutting remains unused,” he said.
“We have called on the department to take urgent action in commencing with delivering the services they are mandated to deliver. The lack of grass-cutting is an insult to residents and a clear risk to their health and safety.”
The Herald can confirm that the grass in front of the cemetery has recently been cut, and the older part of the cemetery has been cleared of bushes and overgrown trees.
Due to safety concerns, however, the Herald was unable to inspect the rest of the cemetery during a visit on Tuesday.
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