BCC to remove tombstones in new city cemeteries

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is stepping up enforcement of its long-standing ban on the erection of tombstones in all new cemeteries and has warned that illegal structures will soon be forcibly removed.

The prohibition, introduced through a 2018 council resolution and guided by the Cemeteries Act and Bulawayo (Cemeteries) Regulations of 1967, applies to Athlone West, Umvutsha, and all newly established burial sites in the city.

Despite repeated warnings, many families have continued to install tombstones in defiance of the directive, forcing the local authority to initiate a removal process.

According to the latest council report, 107 families have been issued with formal notices — 65 at Umvutsha Cemetery and 42 at Athlone West Cemetery — instructing them to remove non-compliant tombstones.

"Owners of non-compliant tombstones will be formally notified to remove their structures. Many families have also erected tombstones that cover the entire grave rather than just headstones, which is against policy," reads part of the report.

Council officials said the 2018 ban was introduced to address ongoing maintenance challenges. Tombstones, they explained, obstruct grass cutting and other routine cemetery upkeep, leading to overgrown and difficult-to-manage burial grounds.

By allowing only headstones, the city hopes to maintain orderliness, improve aesthetics, and enhance the safety and accessibility of the cemeteries.

The BCC also plans to embark on a public education campaign to raise awareness of the policy, including community outreach and radio programmes.

"Residents should be educated on the new policy that only headstones are permitted at these cemeteries. This applies specifically to Athlone West, Umvutsha and other new cemeteries in the city," the report said.

The notice further clarifies the specific regulations governing headstones:

"In accordance with the Cemeteries Act, the Bulawayo (Cemeteries) Regulations of 1967, and the 2018 council resolution, only headstones shall be erected at Athlone West Cemetery, Umvutsha Cemetery and other new cemeteries. The dimensions of headstones should not exceed 1,2 metres by 2,2 metres, with a maximum length of one metre."

Families that fail to comply with the order risk having their tombstones demolished and removed by the council.

The city has reiterated that the restriction does not apply to older cemeteries, where traditional tombstones remain permitted.

Financially, the city has generated US$19,456 through tombstone installations across its cemeteries. Families are charged US$38 per tombstone and the breakdown of tombstone installations and revenue generated is as follows:

Old Luveve Cemetery: 152 tombstones (US$5,776)
West Park Cemetery: 153 tombstones (US$5,814)
Hyde Park Cemetery: 53 tombstones (US$2,014)
Athlone Cemetery: 72 tombstones (US$2,736)
Umvutcha Cemetery: 45 tombstones (US$1,710)

The council says it will continue to enforce its policies to maintain the integrity and manageability of city cemeteries.