News / National
'It's a nightmare when a relative dies in Kariba', grave fees too high - Villager
16 Apr 2012 at 21:10hrs | Views
VILLAGERS in areas surrounding Lake Kariba have expressed concern over high fees being charged by Kariba Municipality for graves.
The villagers who are regarded as aliens in the town are asked to pay US$150 for a grave in the town's cemeteries while locals pay US$15 for the same service. This has angered villagers who feel the fees are too high and need to be reviewed.
Most serious health cases from Mola, Siakobvu and Mayovhe among other areas are referred to Kariba Hospital.
However, some of the people die and it becomes difficult for relatives to afford the huge amounts needed to carry the body to their respective villages.
"It's a nightmare when a relative dies in Kariba because you will be asked to pay US$150 as grave fee but they forget that there is really nothing we can do in the rural areas to earn money. Money is hard to come by these days," said a man identified as Mr Madhoro.
Presenting their concerns to Mashonaland West provincial Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire, the villagers said repatriating a body to their villages for descent burial was expensive.
Governor Chidarikire directed that council should reduce the fees.
"The ideal situation based on facts on the ground is that people in rural areas should be paying less for services because they come from a background where cash flow is limited," he said.
The villagers who are regarded as aliens in the town are asked to pay US$150 for a grave in the town's cemeteries while locals pay US$15 for the same service. This has angered villagers who feel the fees are too high and need to be reviewed.
Most serious health cases from Mola, Siakobvu and Mayovhe among other areas are referred to Kariba Hospital.
However, some of the people die and it becomes difficult for relatives to afford the huge amounts needed to carry the body to their respective villages.
Presenting their concerns to Mashonaland West provincial Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire, the villagers said repatriating a body to their villages for descent burial was expensive.
Governor Chidarikire directed that council should reduce the fees.
"The ideal situation based on facts on the ground is that people in rural areas should be paying less for services because they come from a background where cash flow is limited," he said.
Source - TH
