Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 18-04-2018
The City of Johannesburg has urged residents to consider alternative burial options without infringing on customs and traditions as it tries to cope with the management of cemeteries.
In a statement the CoJ says with a population of close to five million and growing, it needs to start thinking proactively about the environmental and economic costs of the management of cemeteries that become dormant once they have reached full capacity for new burials.
CoJ says while it has adequate burial space for at least the next 50 to 70 years, without considering plans to develop more cemeteries, it is looking at more sustainable and even environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Of the 32 cemeteries across Joburg, only four have not yet reached full capacity. Westpark, Olifantsvlei, Diepsloot and Waterval cemeteries are still able to house over one million future graves.
MMC for Community Development Nonhlanhla Sifumba says the city needs to find alternative options for burials.
“Although there are quite a few different alternative burial options available, JCPZ is encouraging residents to consider utilizing the same gravesite for the entire family. This has the potential to increase burial space significantly and it will reduce the need for more cemeteries, like the recently opened Olifantsvlei Cemetery.”
Sifumba says while Cremations are considered by some families as a viable alternative to a traditional burial, the city is mindful that there are religious and traditional constraints regarding this option.
“The entity is therefore prioritizing the importance of increasing awareness levels on the option for ‘reopenings’ to bury loved ones in the same grave as a family member. This will effectively ensure that all 32 cemeteries are active and are fully utilized.”
Sifumba says there is also the option of ‘grave reduction’ which is reburying the remains of a long lost family member in a smaller urn, and then utilising the same grave, for the family to reuse. This burial site she says then becomes a family gravesite that can be used for generations and is more affordable and environmentally friendly.
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