Pretoria East Cemetery wall coming in three years’ time
The lack of a boundary wall on the western side of the Pretoria East Cemetery has led to mourners being harassed by informal settlement dwellers.
The Pretoria East Cemetery may finally get a boundary wall on its western side, but residents will have to wait until the 2028/29 fiscal year, pending budget approval.
The cemetery on Matt Street in Pretorius Park has been without a boundary wall for years, allowing easy access to the site for dwellers of the nearby Cemetery View informal settlement.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the city’s Environment and Agriculture Management Department plans to construct the boundary wall as part of its 10-year programme for cemetery and crematorium development.
“However, the project’s fate hangs in the balance, subject to the allocation of capital budget.”
The lack of a boundary wall has led to reports of mourners being harassed by informal settlement dwellers, highlighting the need for improved security measures at the cemetery.
Last year, locals were urged to save the cemetery through the community upliftment precinct (CUP) initiative, which would have seen private partnerships assist the city with general upkeep and landscaping, as well as building a wall to make it safer for mourners.
The cemetery has suffered neglect and locals were urged to help out.
Recently, there was a burst pipe which was leaking for days at the gravesite and created massive muddy conditions and an eyesore for residents.
Mashigo said the area where this pipe is located, is regularly damaged by vehicles driving within the cemetery, especially after heavy downpours.
“The city will have to protect it from high traffic volumes to prevent future damage.”
He explained that the area where the pipe is located is an undeveloped plot which is still being used for burials.
“Maintenance of the cemetery is ongoing and is dependent on the availability of resources. Severe weather conditions will always affect the timelines in terms of operations.”
Mashigo emphasised that the region has a maintenance plan in place which includes grass cutting, eradication of invader plants along the grave blocks, deweeding and sweeping along the road curbs. It also entails ensuring that the office block and ablution facilities are always clean.
Residents, churches and businesses are called upon to “adopt” the Pretoria east cemetery, so it can be properly looked after.
Ward 101 councillor Malcolm de Klerk said he is calling on the whole of society to tackle issues related to the cemetery.
“I am appealing to local businesses and churches to take over the running of this cemetery,” he said.
When asked if he was aware of the 2028/29 financial year plans to erect the boundary wall at the site, he said, “I will believe it when I see it”.
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