NORMAN LOUW from Birchleigh North writes:
Refer to Heleen Rossouw’s latest article in Kempton Express (September 12). She describes this historical cemetery on West street, which was established in 1931, as dirty and damaged with desecrated graves and tombstones.
I placed an article in Kempton Express regarding the terrible state of Zuurfontein and Mooifontein cemeteries in April 2018 and to date no positive changes for repairs or to keep up the maintenance for these cemeteries are evident at all.
As a matter of fact, it has worsened to the extent that visitors refrain from visiting the graves due to the total neglect of the facilities and surroundings.
Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro, was so kind to reply to my article. Unfortunately, none of his promises to investigate the negative situation in the cemeteries have materialised to date.
As a matter of fact, the scenario in our cemeteries has escalated to a total lack of maintenance and beautifying the memorials of our love ones. The lack of security (broken-down concrete palisade walls) could lead to more attacks, especially on elderly people.
In Zuurfontein Cemetery one will come across broken tar across the main artery road, which was never repaired in seven years. A derelict building which is situated towards the bottom section of the cemetery, with no roof or door, should be demolished. Vagrants are using it as a shelter, toilet and fireplace at night.
The leaves are not cleaned out weekly and neither is the emptying of bins. I have noticed on numerous occasions staff is nowhere to be seen but sits at its “offices” at the main gate.
They are normally fast asleep or in deep conversation, and this is not during their lunch breaks but early morning or late afternoon.
Mooifontein Cemetery is an extremely dangerous place to visit, hence the lack of visitors. There is no security presence at all. All these cemeteries are part and parcel of the parks and recreation department of Kempton Park.
Barnard Stadium, surrounding entertainment areas, sports and recreation areas also need to be cleaned up and maintenance should take place more regularly.
We as citizens of Kempton Park urge the metro, mayor and councillors to ensure we live in an organised, structured, neat and tidy city for generations to come. We only have this one city. There is no other city for Kemptonians, so let us preserve it for tomorrow.
