The old Fochville graveyard, located near the municipal vehicle testing station, is in a worse state than ever before. For years, residents have complained that they are unable to visit the graves of their loved ones due to the site’s terrible condition.

Previous reports by the Herald highlighted an ongoing water leak that caused grass and reeds to grow taller than many of the headstones. Despite this, the Merafong City Local Municipality has failed to cut the grass for several years.

While the water leak appears to have stopped recently, the municipality has still made no effort to clear the thick plant life covering the graves.

To make matters worse, the graveyard has no gate. This led to stray cattle wandering into the facility and damage gravestones.

During a visit by the Herald this past week, a long heap of sand, rubbish, and building rubble was found dumped along the road next to the graveyard. This mess makes it nearly impossible for visitors to enter without the risk of getting injured. Ironically, the only benefit of this rubble is that it currently acts as a barrier to keep cattle out.

The Herald contacted Temba Fezani, Merafong’s marketing and communications manager, on Monday to ask when the graveyard would finally be cleaned.

“The graveyard’s grass was cut,” was the municipality’s only response.