The Lala Ngoxolo Crematorium in Crystal Park has been closed since January this year.
This is the closest crematorium for Springs residents and it is one of the few government crematoria in the East Rand.
Since the closure of this facility, residents who wish to cremate their loved ones have been forced to travel to Brixton in Johannesburg.
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Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro says the facility was closed because of health and safety issues.
“I haven’t been personally affected by the closure of the crematorium, but my family and friends have.
“It’s hard because not everyone has the money to travel to Brixton. It’s really expensive,” says Eddie Manicum.
The residents have also been struggling with the costs of the crematorium in Brixton as it is a private facility and it costs more than the crematorium in Crystal Park.
Gadebe says, “After a lengthy assessment and repairs, we are now conducting tests on the cremators to ensure that we can once again operate effectively and efficiently with no health or safety concerns to users.
“It is anticipated that should the tests this week be completed successfully, we will reopen anytime from May 7.”
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