Families of loved ones are reminded to visit possible sunken graves as rainfall can cause this issue
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo cemeteries and crematoria manager, wary of possible grave sinking in Waterfall cemetery on Allandale Road, Midrand, reminds the families of those interred to visit their deceased to make sure the graves aren't sinking.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the custodians of open spaces including cemeteries, are reminding families to regularly visit the graves of their loved ones as further incidents of sunken graves in Olifantsvlei cemetery, have been reported.
In a statement by JPCZ’s Azola Manjati, manager for cemeteries and crematoria, recent burials in other cemeteries such as Avalon, Allandale, also known as Waterfall, and Westpark cemeteries, could experience the same due to recent rains in the province.
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When the Waterfall cemetery in Midrand opened in 2006, it was the first new burial ground opened in Johannesburg for nearly a quarter of a century. The 200-hectare cemetery has space for 720 000 burials and would provide burial space for about 50 years.
He said entity’s staff and contractors may only refill sunken graves once granted permission by the families.
“Grave subsidence, or sinking, occurs when the soil settles and pockets of air are released over time. The presence of water due to the heavy rain and soil erosion, exacerbates the process, leading to considerable sinkage of graves. JCPZ is exploring solutions to avoid this phenomenon of sunken graves during the summer downpours,” said Manjati. “Families are urged to heed the call to come forward to restore the dignity of their loved ones. The sinking of graves is at the surface level between 10cm to 50cm.”
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Families of loved ones laid to rest in cemeteries must be aware that any enhancements, or maintenance, to graves of loved ones remains the sole responsibility of families, and that compliance of by-laws must strictly be adhered to.
Residents may contact JCPZ on 011 712 6600/6617 or email Zolile Mpophoma at zmpophoma@jhbcityparks.com with details of the cemetery, name of the deceased, the section where the grave is located, and grave number.
He said alternative burial options are becoming more common in cities like Johannesburg. Families can choose from the following methods, or visit the JPCZ website: www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com, for additional information.
• Standard first burials: New grave allocated to the family of the deceased.
• Second Interments: 2nd and 3rd burials: Available to family members, who choose to bury 1 or 2 additional family members in the same grave.
• Reduction burials: Involve the exhumation of remains into a small coffin, which is then reburied, allowing for more burial space in the same location.
• Cremation: A family receives the ashes of the deceased and decides how to best honour the memory of their dearly departed thereafter.
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