West crematorium soon to be tested ahead of reopening
The Rebecca Crematorium was last active in June last year and the renovations were scheduled for completion at the end of 2023 but there were delays.
Tshwane will soon run a testing phase, which will involve the cremation of a few bodies to ensure complete compliance with standards and regulations for the reopening of the Rebecca Crematorium in Pretoria West.
The metro confirmed that it had recently received the initial supply of gas from the designated service provider, which is essential for the testing phase.
According to Tshwane Deputy Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, the crematorium is on track for its reopening four months from August.
Moya conducted a site visit to the crematorium on August 5 and said that the metro had signed an agreement with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) to commence maintenance work on July 26.
“This approval specifically covers the refurbishment of furnaces and cremators, as well as the successful cremation of a body using pressed wood pauper coffins. Following the inspection, the GDARD representative expressed confidence in the completed work and has granted the green light for testing in preparation for licensing,” Moya said.
The crematorium was last active in June last year and the renovations were scheduled for completion at the end of 2023 but there were delays.
In addition to the joint agreement, a National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System (NAEIS) audit was conducted by GDARD under Section 8 of the National Atmospheric Emissions Reporting Regulations 2015.
“This comprehensive audit evaluated various aspects of the facility, including its structure, parking arrangements, cleanliness and urban management issues. We are pleased to announce that the audit has resulted in an audit-complete status, indicating compliance with regulations,” Moya said.
The crematorium is set to operate from December 1, its reopening deadline.
In visits earlier this year, Moya stated the metro has set aside R1.2-million for gas acquisition and R150 000 for the maintenance of the crematorium.
She said the service provider has also been able to attend to repairs of the mechanical sections for drying out and testing the equipment stacker.
“A tender for a three-year deal for the provision of gas has been approved by the city’s Bid Adjudication Committee.
We remain committed to upholding the highest standards and ensuring the facility’s readiness to serve the community effectively. We also appreciate the patience of the community members whom we have inconvenienced greatly,” she said.
Being the only crematory owned by the metro in all of Tshwane, Rebecca Street is a common choice for people who require the service. The closure has especially inconvenienced members of the Hindu faith.
The crematorium offers the following:
– Cremation service
– Reopening of a grave for the burial of ashes
– Placement of ashes in the wall of remembrance or ash berm
– Tombstone applications.
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