City running out of burial space
Alternative need to be consider now as space is becoming a challenge for traditional burials.
The City of Ekurhuleni Department of Parks and Cemeteries Undertakers Forum met in Germiston recently when limited burial space, alternative burial options, refurbishment of crematoriums, burial compliance and tariffs were tabled for discussion.
The CoE raised concerns about the shortage of burial space across the city’s cemeteries and said discussion on the alternative needs to happen.
The monthly demand for burial space in the city is an average of 750 graves. The city has space for 10 years for burials.
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In the next five years, the burial of two to three family members per grave will be a standard.
There are several factors leading to this decision.
“The shortage of space is attributed to various factors, including population growth, insufficient land acquisition for cemetery development to meet the increasing demand for burials and unsuitable land portions within cemeteries,” said Zweli Dlamini, CoE spokesperson.
Undertakes raised the issue of long travelling distances to cemeteries and the long queues in the crematoria.
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“CoE is aware of the challenges faced by undertakers of long-distance travelling because of limited crematoria.
The city is refurbishing the Lala Ngoxolo Crematorium and is in the process of rescinding the existing lease agreement of Mooifontein Crematorium,” said Dlamini.
“The city is considering other alternatives such as mausoleums at cemeteries where the ground is not suitable for in-earth burial.”
Dlamini said alternative methods always cost less than traditional methods.
COE stressed the issue of late coming for funerals and its effects on the burial site traffic.
“We urge people to be on time because if one is late at the grave sites it causes traffic because now we end up having long queues.
Time management is important to avoid traffic,” said Lehlogonolo Nkadimeng from the Ekurhuleni cemeteries division.
COE tariffs are as follows:
Category A, adult grave, R2 524.
Category B, adult grave, R1 803.
Category C, adult grave R1 377.
Additional fees bookings are R1 725, late arrival is R1 828 and cremation is R610.
