Grave problems plague cemetery

An old spelling rhyme states ‘there are three e’s buried in cemetery’.

Those who have paid visits to loved ones at the Hardwick Street Cemetery in recent years might attest to finding far more than just graves and headstones interred there.

Litter, overgrowth and desecration of graves are among complaints.

Some graves appear to have been reclaimed by Mother Nature, almost completely invisible under clumps of grass and weeds, or with trees growing from within their hearts.

Others have been besmirched by empty bottles, plastic and other refuse on and around them.

While these problems can be blamed on a lack of effort from the municipality, one might notice it is the municipal workers themselves who do the dead perhaps the most disrespect.

Earlier in the month, municipal workers were seen draping their blue jackets across headstones and graves.

“When this was noticed, the workers became quite hostile,” explained one mourner.

Speaking on his experiences at the Hardwick Street Cemetery, businessman Dries Els said it was ironical how many expected their loved ones to be respected, but did not afford others the same courtesy.

He added his parents are buried at the cemetery, and pedestrians appear to have made a walkway of their graves.

“My parents are just a few steps away from the thoroughfare and it’s really saddening.”

Commenting on the litter situation at the cemetery, Mr Els described it as terrible.

He has resorted to taking his own weedkiller and gardening equipment with him when paying respects to his parents. He admitted he no longer felt safe at the cemetery.

“The truth is the truth, even it if it’s not nice.”

Rounding off a host of complaints and concerns regarding the cemetery, Mr Els said he had witnessed people and workers sleeping on graves during working hours.

He found it appalling how some could do as they pleased without repercussions.

“We must show respect to all religions and not desecrate graves – it is really pathetic to see these things.”

The municipal Communications Unit was contacted more than a week ago to investigate the matters raised by Mr Els and other mourners concerned with the current situation.

Questions pertaining to the laying of complaints in this regard, were also forwarded.

Despite the time frame given for the Communications Unit to report to the relevant departments and provide feedback, no response was given at the time of going to print.