Parking space at Umvutsha Cemetery causes concern

Bulawayo councillors have raised concern over the shortage of parking space at Umvutsha Cemetery, saying congestion during burials has become unmanageable and is now forcing some motorists to drive into the graveyard itself.


The issue was highlighted in the latest council minutes under the Inspection of Funeral Parlours report, which noted that three funeral parlours had been inspected during the month under review.

According to the minutes, Councillor Adrian Moyo told the committee that parking challenges at Umvutsha Cemetery had worsened, with vehicles failing to find space during burials.

“There were a lot of vehicles that failed to find parking at Umvutsha Cemetery during burials. Some vehicles parked in the middle of the road blocking traffic. Other vehicles forced their way into the cemetery right up to next to the grave. The security guard was overwhelmed to control the vehicles,” the minutes read.

The area outside the cemetery, previously used for parking, has become overgrown with grass, while residents living nearby have complained about environmental disturbances caused by mourners.

Councillors attributed the congestion to failure by funeral parties to adhere to scheduled burial times.

“If times were adhered to during burials, congestion at the cemetery would be avoided. Residents should be advised that everything at a cemetery during a burial should be done within an hour. Funeral parlours should be engaged to assist bereaved families to stick to time,” the minutes stated.

Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu proposed the erection of two gates at Umvutsha Cemetery, with only the hearse and one family vehicle allowed inside. He noted that in some cultures, burials begin as early as 5am, while others hold services throughout the night.

The minutes emphasised that all speeches and rituals should be conducted at home or at church, not at the cemetery.

“At the cemetery it is supposed to be a short prayer, then the lowering of the body followed by backfilling. If this is followed accordingly, no congestion would be experienced,” the minutes read.

Councillor Shepherd Sithole agreed, urging councillors to engage residents during evening prayers in their wards to reinforce the message.

The Health Services (Environmental Health) Department said congestion and parking shortages were a direct result of delays that caused burials to clash, overwhelming cemetery staff and creating an artificial shortage of tools such as shovels and picks.

Councillors were encouraged to continue educating residents on the importance of adhering to booked burial times.