Crematorium saga: Another licence lapse keeps the doors shut
The delay has affected local funeral directors who continue to dig deep into their pockets to book cremations as far as Witbank, Brixton and Lenasia crematoriums.
Despite an estimated R9.7m already being spent renovating the Lala Ngoxolo Crematorium in Crystal Park, it would appear the facility would not be operational soon, thanks to another setback.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini has revealed that the non-functioning of the facility was because of tests that still need to be conducted.
“The Air Emissions Licence (AEL) has lapsed, but the department has already submitted the renewal application to the authority for processing,” said Dlamini.
This is not the first time the Air Emissions Licence has lapsed.
In September 2022, Dlamini said the facility would reopen when the CoE received the AEL, a permit required to operate a crematorium, issued by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).
In June last year, the Benoni City Times received a response from the city stating it had received the valid AEL, which has again expired.
The delay has affected local funeral directors who continue to dig deep into their pockets to book cremations as far as Witbank, Brixton and Lenasia crematoriums because of the prolonged closure of Lala Ngoxolo.
Meanwhile, the construction of the building extension at the crematorium is in the procurement stage and they completed the refurbishment of the coffin cold room and two existing cremators.
Also Read: Crematorium remains shut
Also Read: WATCH: Metro working on reopening Crystal Park crematorium
