Just two days after the Advertiser reported on the neglected state of the Boksburg Cemetery, the metro deployed its maintenance crews to give the graveyard the maintenance it deserves.
The metro confirmed that work to clean up the facility started on January 17, following months of torrential rains, which they say have affected the upkeep of the facility.
Work to clean up the burial sites follows a barrage of complaints from those who went to pay respects to their loved ones and told the Advertiser the sad state of the facility left them shattered and heartbroken.
“Officials responsible for maintenance of parks and cemeteries in the City have been hard at work since Monday. Work at the Boksburg Cemetery includes grass-cutting, tree-pruning and general maintenance,” said metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
This comes after the MMC for Environment and Waste Management, André du Plessis, inspected the state of cemeteries in the City on January 14.
Du Plessis pleaded for patience from residents of Boksburg and other areas with cemeteries that need horticultural services.
“We are on the ground, taking stock of our shortfalls and hitting the ground running to speedily address them. The issue of grass-cutting remains tricky, with the torrential rains that may delay the work. However, we are working,” said du Plessis.
The Advertiser’s investigation revealed how the overgrown grass, vegetation and grass covering graves left many families heartbroken, demanding authorities deploy officials to do the job.
Others demanded to know why the site had not been receiving the maintenance it deserves for such a long time, allowing it to deteriorate into a state of disrepair.
Also Read: Outcry over poor upkeep of Boksburg Cemetery
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