The Bakerton Cemetery will not be fixed any time soon.
In the article, Bakerton Cemetery a seemingly lost cause, residents told The Advertiser that sections of the surrounding cement fences are regularly carried across the road to the adjacent informal settlement, even during the day, and no action is taken by the police when they are called.
Also read: Bakerton Cemetery a seemingly lost cause
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, there are no funds to repair the fence this financial year.
When asked if the City had done a damage report in order to establish the necessary actions to address the problem, the City said assessment reports are done by EMPD and insurance claims are completed to repair the damage.
In the meantime, the City said they rely on regular patrols by law enforcement to protect the cemetery.
In response to residents saying they feel ashamed of how their past relatives’ graves have been vandalised, the City said from time to time, they communicate to the public the message that it is also a societal responsibility to prevent vandalism of public infrastructure.
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When asked what residents can expect from the metro in the future regarding the cemetery, Dlamini said, “The City does strive to protect cemeteries, but with limited public funds and increasing responsibilities, communities are called upon to play their part of taking ownership of public infrastructure.”
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