Centurion cemetery expansion is underway
Residents will now be able to not only use Pretoria East and Olievenhoutbosch cemeteries for burials, but Centurion cemetery as well.
The expansion of Centurion cemetery was well underway with 10 hectares of field right behind the cemetery being added to the existing cemetery.
Local ward councillor Peter Sutton, said the cemetery reached its full capacity with no space for any new burials to take place, except in cases where double graves already have been bought.
“Residents will now be able to not only use Pretoria east and Olievenhoutbosch cemeteries for burials but Centurion cemetery as well.”
Overgrown grass, litter and vandalism was rife at the cemetery and maintenance and security were foremost on role players’ minds when the expansion of the cemetery was planned, Sutton said.
“The environmental impact study has been finalised and all role players agree that the cemetery can indeed be expanded.”
Sutton said an in-depth environmental impact study had to be done to ensure that groundwater will not be affected, pollution doesn’t occur, and that there is no negative impact on plants and animals.
“Another meeting will still be held with metro officials in respect of the last phase of the project, which consists of implementing the proposed plan incorporating 10 hectares to the existing cemetery.”
Sutton said role players believe the more activity there is at the cemetery, the less problems with litter, vandalism and other criminal elements.
He said maintenance at the cemetery resumed and a fence around the cemetery was erected, with a single entrance in Edward Street.
Among the security measures discussed on meetings with residents and the city council, were a 24-hour guard on the premises.
Other topics that were discussed during the meetings were features to cater for a range of religious beliefs, including the construction of a crematorium and a wall of remembrance.
This will “improve the cemetery’s cultural relevance,” said Sutton.
Rekord recently reported that Irene concentration camp cemetery was restored to a safe environment and became a popular site for residents to visit.
The cemetery is located on Stopford Road inside the Irene security estate and has a rich and interesting history.
Residents had taken it upon themselves to clean up, maintain and preserve what was left of the Irene concentration camp site in 2015.
Benches were installed and members of the community and entrepreneurs donated several indigenous trees to the site. The scenic gardens are kept clean and safe.
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