News / Regional
Tombstones at new Bulawayo cemeteries face demolition
06 Sep 2025 at 19:51hrs | 4 Views
Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube has issued a stern warning to residents who erect tombstones in new cemeteries where only headstones are allowed, stating that offenders will face demolition orders.
Dube emphasized that the directive enforces a council resolution dating back to 2018, which prohibits tombstones at Athlone West and other newly established cemeteries under the Cemeteries Act, Bulawayo Regulations 1967. "The policy is clear, only headstones are permitted. Residents who have put up tombstones in violation of this directive will be issued with demolition orders," he said in the latest Health, Housing and Education Committee report.
The council explained that the headstone-only policy facilitates grass cutting and cemetery maintenance, particularly as overgrown areas have made upkeep increasingly challenging. Councillors noted that many graves are abandoned after burial, leaving the city to shoulder maintenance costs.
Deputy Committee Chairperson Councillor Siboniso Moyo stressed that compliance with the policy would allow machinery to move freely during grass cutting, reducing reliance on manual labor. She called for greater public awareness through funeral bookings, radio broadcasts, and community meetings.
The committee report highlighted at least six cases of non-compliance, with tombstones erected despite the ban. Councillors also raised concerns over poor maintenance at the Athlone Old section, where overgrown grass has made it difficult for families to access graves.
Bulawayo, which is experiencing limited burial space, has previously encouraged residents to consider cremation. Families wishing to erect headstones must follow strict procedures, including verification by cemetery supervisors, compliance with prescribed dimensions, and obtaining a Tombstone Application Permit.
Under council regulations, headstone dimensions must not exceed 1.2 meters by 2.2 meters. Cemetery supervisors are responsible for confirming records, physically inspecting graves if necessary, and ensuring that monuments are erected in accordance with council guidelines.
Dube emphasized that the directive enforces a council resolution dating back to 2018, which prohibits tombstones at Athlone West and other newly established cemeteries under the Cemeteries Act, Bulawayo Regulations 1967. "The policy is clear, only headstones are permitted. Residents who have put up tombstones in violation of this directive will be issued with demolition orders," he said in the latest Health, Housing and Education Committee report.
The council explained that the headstone-only policy facilitates grass cutting and cemetery maintenance, particularly as overgrown areas have made upkeep increasingly challenging. Councillors noted that many graves are abandoned after burial, leaving the city to shoulder maintenance costs.
Deputy Committee Chairperson Councillor Siboniso Moyo stressed that compliance with the policy would allow machinery to move freely during grass cutting, reducing reliance on manual labor. She called for greater public awareness through funeral bookings, radio broadcasts, and community meetings.
The committee report highlighted at least six cases of non-compliance, with tombstones erected despite the ban. Councillors also raised concerns over poor maintenance at the Athlone Old section, where overgrown grass has made it difficult for families to access graves.
Bulawayo, which is experiencing limited burial space, has previously encouraged residents to consider cremation. Families wishing to erect headstones must follow strict procedures, including verification by cemetery supervisors, compliance with prescribed dimensions, and obtaining a Tombstone Application Permit.
Under council regulations, headstone dimensions must not exceed 1.2 meters by 2.2 meters. Cemetery supervisors are responsible for confirming records, physically inspecting graves if necessary, and ensuring that monuments are erected in accordance with council guidelines.
Source - Cite
