Graveyard

by AKANI CHAUKE
GERMISTON, (Gauteng Guardian) – AUTHORITIES in the City of Ekurhuleni have urged residents to consider other burial options as its cemeteries are approaching full capacity for new burials.

The city disclosed it has just 30 percent left of vacant burial space.

The Phumlani Cemetery in Etwatwa was closed at the end of February due to the non-availability of burial space for first interment.

However, the cemetery remains ready for second and, in appropriate circumstances, third interment.

In a statement on Monday, the City of Ekurhuleni encouraged residents to consider second and third interment to save burial space.

This would be in accordance with the city’s Cemetery and Crematorium by¬laws.

“The by-laws make provision for multiple interments in one grave on condition that an application has been made to the cemetery officer and written permission has been granted,” read a statement.

Meanwhile, the city has reserved a small portion of land at the Phumlani Cemetery for the burial of the needy and paupers only.

Residents in the Etwatwa area can utilize nearby cemeteries such as Lala Ngoxolo Cemetery in Crystal Park and Springs Sub Regional Cemetery in Petersfield.

Ekurhuleni is eastern Gauteng.

According to the official census in 2011, it has over 3,178 million residents.