Overgrown Primrose Cemetery sparks concern among Ward 36 residents
Residents say neglected graves and a damaged fence at Primrose Cemetery show a lack of maintenance, while the ward councillor urges patience during routine servicing.
Residents of Ward 36 raised concerns after visiting the graves of their loved ones at the Primrose Cemetery.
To their surprise, the cemetery had overgrown grass and bushes covering the graves. Some of the tall headstones were only partially visible.
While walking around the cemetery during a visit with Ward 36 Councillor Wendy Morgan, more issues were discovered.
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However, this cemetery holds graves dating to the Anglo-Boer War, the 1920s, 1914, and 1900’s, and graves of veterans.
A section of the pallisade fence on the side of the entrance was missing, as reported last year after a vehicle went through it.
Morgan urged residents to be patient as the Parks Department is performing routine maintenance, including cutting grass around the area.
“The parks team is rotating every six weeks. We had some of the public spaces serviced in December, Early January, but the rain hasn’t done any justice,” said Morgan.
“Residents have the right to express their despair when visiting the graveyard. Their displeasure comes from the lack of maintenance at the cemetery.
ALSO READ: Heavy rains blamed for poor conditions at Primrose Cemetery
“Some residents are forced to clean a portion of their loved one’s grave. However, most of the cemeteries have no visitors, as their loved ones have been buried here for almost 100 years. This cemetery should be considered for heritage site status.
“Furthermore, the cemetery should still be secured and maintained and be accessible to those who still visit,” said Morgan.
The GCN sent a request for comment to the City of Ekurhuleni on February 12, questioning the city about the cemetery’s upkeep and the security measures in place to protect it. By the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
