Despite an estimated R9.7m already being spent renovating the Lala Ngoxolo Crematorium in Crystal Park in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, the facility has had another setback and it seems that it will not be operational soon.

City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini says the facility is not working as tests still need to be conducted.

“The Air Emissions Licence (AEL) has lapsed, but the department has already submitted the renewal application to the authority for processing,” says Dlamini.

This is not the first time the licence has lapsed.

In September 2022, Dlamini said the facility would reopen when the CoE received the AEL, a permit required to operate a crematorium, issued by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

In June last year, the Benoni City Times received a response from the city stating it had received the valid AEL, which has again expired.

The delay has affected local funeral directors who continue to dig deep into their pockets to book cremations as far away as Witbank, Brixton and Lenasia because of the prolonged closure of Lala Ngoxolo.

Meanwhile, the construction of the building extension at the crematorium is in the procurement stage and the refurbishment of the coffin cold room and two existing cremators is complete.