Two-phase project announced to restore waterlogged Kagiso Cemetery

For a long time, the graves on the north-western side of the Kagiso Cemetery have become waterlogged. But there is good news.

After Mogale City Local Municipality’s investigation, with the assistance of engineers, along with some legal guidelines related to exhumations, cost implications, long-term public needs for burials, and stakeholder consultation among others, a decision was made for sustainable engineering solutions combined with natural hydrological processes.

This, however, has major cost implications and progress towards restoration also stemmed from the challenge of no budget being allocated for the project. The budget was eventually secured, a procurement process followed, and a service provider was subsequently appointed.

• Also read: Kagiso cemetery saturated with water; here’s Mogale’s plan …

According to a statement by the municipality, although funding was secured for the project, due to budget constraints the project will be done over two phases to the value of R3m of which R1m will be spent in Phase 1 and the remainder in the 2023/ 24 financial year for Phase 2.

“We are delighted to announce that with a service provider appointed, inception meetings held, the site handed over to the provider, and community stakeholders engaged with regards to benefaction from the project, it is all systems go as work commenced on October 16.”

Since the commencement date, the following positive progress can be reported:

• An agreement with local community labour and business forum through the ward councillor for purposes of community beneficiation i.e. sourcing of ablution facilities, equipment, and material such as TLBs and washed river sand and the employment of 6 workers from the local community
• Cordoning off the construction site
• Commencement with the excavation of trenches
• Delivery of material such as river sand to be used to intercept the groundwater and lower raised water tables, piping for directed draining of water and other

The current commenced first phase of the project hopes to be completed by January next year, factoring in potential delays due to rain and other unforeseen occurrences. With other areas of the cemetery remaining open for burials, visits, or tombstone unveiling, the municipality will through the local councillor create forums of engagement and other communication platforms to keep affected communities and the media informed on progress at the cemetery.

While thanking all affected parties for their patience and understanding, the municipality further appeals to residents for continued collaboration as they will work on a permanent solution that will be sustainable from a social, economic and environmental point of view.