Drainage upgrade brings relief to waterlogged Kagiso Cemetery
The first phase of a key drainage project at Kagiso Cemetery has been completed, but the municipality confirms that additional work is still required to fully resolve the waterlogging issues.
Phase 1 of a critical drainage intervention at Kagiso Cemetery has been completed and should now address the persistent waterlogging that has affected burial operations and overall site conditions.
The project became urgent after waterlogging – initially estimated to affect 2.7 hectares – was found to have spread to additional north-western sections of the cemetery. The extent of the problem was identified during routine operations, particularly when graves were excavated or when pre-booked double graves were reopened, revealing high groundwater levels.
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According to Mogale City Local Municipality’s (MCLM) senior communication practitioner, Tendani Shavhani, the municipality’s Integrated Environmental Management department appointed civil engineers to conduct a hydro survey to determine the source of the problem. This process included site inspections and the excavation of test pits to assess soil conditions and identify areas of water ingress. Based on their findings, engineers recommended installing a subsoil drainage system to reduce water accumulation and stabilise the site.
He said that Phase 1 saw the installation of 390m of subsoil drainage pipes. The work included excavation to a depth of two metres, installation of a 110mm drainage system, construction of a drainage outlet structure, backfilling with river sand, and final site rehabilitation.
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He added that the overall project is valued at about R3m, with R1m allocated to and spent on Phase 1. In addition to improving infrastructure, the project also contributed to local economic development.
“Two local contractors were appointed, and six workers from the surrounding community were employed, creating short-term job opportunities.
“The municipality will proceed with Phase 2 once funding becomes available. The next phase will include the installation of an additional kilometre of subsoil drainage pipes, completing an integrated drainage system designed to provide a long-term solution to waterlogging at the cemetery,” Shavhani concluded.
