Gweru shuts down Mtapa cemetery

GWERU City Council-run Mtapa cemetery has closed as there is no more space for new burials, a senior council official has revealed. Town Clerk, Elizabeth Gwatipedza said the 12-hectare cemetery was now full and that the only space left was for those who have already paid for burial space in advance.

According to Gwatipedza, readily available burial space is now at Matinunura cemetery in Mkoba 9, Senga and Mutasa cemeteries.

"Mtapa cemetery is now closed for burial except for those who have reserved their graves," Gwatipedza said in a recent statement. "You are therefore advised to use Mkoba, Senga and the Central Mutasa cemeteries for burials."

To date more than 16 000 people have been buried at Mtapa cemetery, including children and adults.

A report from the local authority shows that 1 654 graves have been bought in advance, mainly by families who want to be buried close to their relatives.