Who is to pay for damaged graves and tombstones?

Funeral directors and relatives of people buried in the new section of the cemetery bordering Schonkenville and the Industrial Area of Parys have complained numerous times about livestock causing damage to graves and tombstones.

But there has been no response from the Ngwathe municipality, and no one to take responsibility for the damage. The issue was raised again last week by DA councillor, Shirley Vermaak in a written letter to the municipal manager, Mr Lucky Kamolane. In the letter, Vermaak says horses and cattle get into the cemetery through openings where the fence has been broken or is missing altogether. Vandals cause further damage by stealing items from graves.

There is a cattle grid at the main gate, but the request is that Council should ensure that the top gate is kept locked when not needed and have the fencing repaired as a matter of urgency. At the time of print, there was still no response from the municipality except acknowledging receipt.