Residents are enraged by the state of Westpark Cemetery in Montgomery Park, where their love ones are buried.
One resident defined the cemetery as “a shame, disgrace and disrespectful” to the deceased.
“The grass is so high it goes up to my waist. I go to the cemetery once a month and it is unacceptable to see your loved ones in such a state of disrespect,” said Rita Sutton.
Sutton visits her daughter, mother, father and brother at the cemetery.
“I go there so I can spend time with them. I want to put flowers, but I can’t because I can’t see where one grave starts and ends because of the grass.”
City Parks spokesperson Jenny Moodley said work commenced at Westpark Cemetery on 2 February.
“The persistent rains have hampered timeous delivery of City Parks services which have been further compounded by the warm weather that accelerates growth. This is a seasonal concern that restricts grass cutting, hence resulting in backlogs,” she said.
“Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo would like to thank the residents in Johannesburg for their patience. We have internal teams and contractors with work order thought-out the week that are striving to clear up the backlogs.”
However, Radiokop resident Johan van der Merwe, who visits the graveyard every week, said no work has commenced.
“The grass there is shocking. The place is not being maintained at all, making it difficult to see those you love. I visit my wife’s grave and the site is chaotic. When I call the City they keep promising to keep it clean, but nothing ever happens.”
According to van der Merwe, the grass was only cut once last year.
“Every time they attempt to clean it, it is never done properly. We need action to be taken immediately.”
Do you have loved ones buried at Westpark Cemetery? What are your thoughts?
