Response: Metro plans to resolve issues surrounding historical cemeteries

The City of Ekurhuleni is aware of the problems at local cemeteries and doing what it can to expedite repairs and clean-ups.

In response to questions posed by the Boksburg Advertiser about the state of Boksburg Cemetery, spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said damage to fencing and the remembrance wall has been reported to the Real Estate Department.

Dlamini said the Parks Department is litter-picking weekly once a week at this cemetery and assessing ways to increase the frequency and effectiveness of litter management.

With regard to security, Dlamini said the Boksburg sub-regional cemetery has a security officer but the old cemetery does not have any security personnel.

“Given the state of the cemeteries and the recent vandalism incidents, we are actively exploring options to increase security measures at these sites.

“In this regard, a request has been made to the EMPD to roll out security assessments and possibly deploy officials at the cemeteries,” Dlamini explained.

He added that potholes at the entrance to Boksburg Cemetery are mostly caused by water leaks and this has also been escalated to the relevant department.

At Titus Nkobi Cemetery, the city is implementing a litter picking schedule twice a week, conducted by the maintenance staff who also dig graves in this cemetery and Elsburg cemetery.

“We are considering increasing the number of dustbins in the cemetery to mitigate the littering issue. About 99% of grass cutting has been done. The clippings must still be removed,” Dlamini said, adding that the public is encouraged to stop littering.

“Together we can restore the beauty and cleanliness of our cemeteries,” concluded Dlamini.

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