Councillors flag state of Bulawayo cemetery facilities

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is set to rehabilitate roads leading to the city's cemeteries following mounting concern over the deteriorating state of facilities at burial grounds, particularly Umvutcha Cemetery.

According to council records, councillors recently raised alarm over poor infrastructure, congestion and operational challenges at cemeteries, prompting calls for alternative burial methods, including cremation, to ease pressure on limited burial space.

The concerns are contained in the latest Bulawayo City Council minutes, which relate to inspections carried out at funeral parlours and cemeteries across the city.

During a recent full council meeting, Councillor Adrian Moyo highlighted the poor condition of ablution facilities at Umvutcha Cemetery, proposing that an attendant be stationed there to ensure proper maintenance.

"Umvutcha Cemetery's outside parking area needs to be attended to, as well as the road leading to the cemetery. Residents have challenges with the road," read the council minutes.

The minutes further noted that on January 18, traffic congestion was experienced at the cemetery due to the poor state of the access road. Some buses were reportedly forced to park in the middle of the road after the outside parking area became inaccessible.

Councillor Shepherd Sithole also raised concern over grave production at Umvutcha Cemetery, noting that graves were being dug manually due to equipment breakdowns.

"The grave digger was not operational and was awaiting repairs which had taken a long time," the minutes stated. Sithole suggested that councillors should encourage residents to consider cremation for children below the age of one.

Meanwhile, Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu expressed concern over the children's grave section at West Park Cemetery, citing the presence of numerous unmarked graves. She sought clarity on measures being taken by council and voiced support for cremation of children under one year.

"Residents should be engaged so that there is an understanding," the minutes read.

Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said residents were generally supportive of cremation for children below one year, noting that the practice had previously been common.

"In the past, all still-born babies were cremated at hospitals. A lot of burial space was saved. The community should embrace cremation as one of the human body disposal methods," she said.

Responding to the concerns, BCC health services director Edwin Mzingwane said council had taken note of all the issues raised.

"Roads leading to all the city's cemeteries will be rehabilitated. Traffic going to the cemeteries at times is too much. Residents should consider reducing the numbers of people going to the cemetery for burials," Mzingwane said.

He also encouraged communities to consider private burials and said council cemeteries had adequate staff to provide grave backfilling services. The minutes further indicated that double interment for married couples was being encouraged as a space-saving measure.

Council acknowledged challenges in maintaining graves for still-born babies, citing cultural beliefs that affect upkeep.

"A realisation had been made to consider cremation of still-born babies. Currently, cremation services are being provided by private players," the minutes read.

Council said it had engaged private service providers to reduce cremation fees for still-born babies and was in the process of acquiring its own cremator.

BCC also revealed that under a new policy, only headstones will be permitted at new cemeteries to allow easy movement of grass-cutting machinery.

"Burial space is fast running out and residents should consider other human body disposal methods," council said.