Bulawayo burial chaos

BULAWAYO councillors have raised concerns over increasing vending activities at cemeteries, deteriorating access roads to burial sites and shortages of grave-digging equipment, warning that the challenges are undermining the dignity and smooth conduct of burials in the city.

The concerns emerged during a recent full council meeting following the presentation of the latest cemeteries report by Health Services Director Edwin Mzingwane Sibanda.

Councillors said the growing number of vendors operating at burial sites, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and equipment shortages, was creating unnecessary difficulties for bereaved families and cemetery staff.

According to the report, Umvutcha Cemetery continues to serve as a major burial site for both local residents and families repatriating the remains of relatives from outside Bulawayo and beyond Zimbabwe's borders.

During the reporting period, the cemetery received bodies from South Africa, Filabusi, Umzingwane, Beitbridge, Tsholotsho, Gwanda, Umguza and Victoria Falls. South Africa accounted for the highest number of repatriations, with 17 bodies brought back for burial, followed by Umzingwane with five and Umguza with three.

The report also indicated that two cremations were conducted during April 2026.

Meanwhile, council recorded the installation of 180 tombstones across the city's cemeteries, generating revenue of US$6 840. West Park Cemetery recorded the highest number of installations at 54, followed by Luveve Old Cemetery with 41 and Athlone Cemetery with 27.

However, officials also reported 10 cases of non-compliance relating to headstone installations, with most violations occurring at Athlone and Umvutcha cemeteries.

During deliberations, Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu expressed concern over the growing presence of vendors operating within cemetery premises and called for urgent rehabilitation of the road leading to Umvutcha Cemetery.

He said the route had deteriorated significantly and was causing inconvenience for mourners and funeral service providers.

Councillor Suzan Sithole highlighted shortages of essential burial equipment, particularly shovels, saying the shortages were contributing to delays during funeral proceedings.

"Gravesite equipment, especially shovels, is not adequate, resulting in delays during burials," she said.

Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo raised concerns about the condition of ablution facilities at cemeteries, calling for urgent maintenance and repairs.

She also stressed the need for improved public awareness regarding adherence to allocated burial times, arguing that poor time management often resulted in scheduling conflicts and operational challenges.

"There is a need for councillors to continue educating residents on the importance of observing allocated burial times so that resources can be utilised efficiently," she said.

Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo supported calls to remove vendors from cemetery grounds and encouraged residents to respect designated burial schedules.

Councillor Roy Sekete said better adherence to burial times would help reduce congestion and overcrowding at the city's cemeteries.

"Council needs to inform bereaved families to be time conscious. Once this is adhered to, overcrowding at the city's cemeteries can be managed," he said.

Responding to the concerns, Sibanda said the city would intensify enforcement measures aimed at eliminating vending activities at cemeteries and preserving the dignity of burial sites.

"Cemetery supervisors and staff should supervise burials and advise residents to adhere to the time slots," he said.

He added that councillors also had an important role to play in educating communities on compliance with burial schedules.

On the issue of equipment shortages, Sibanda said the department would engage the Procurement Unit to address the shortage of shovels and other essential burial tools.

Council subsequently resolved to receive and note the report, while urging the responsible departments to address the identified challenges to ensure cemetery operations are conducted in a dignified and efficient manner.