Oslo Beach crematorium remains closed
South Coasters await the opening of the only crematorium.
The South Coast’s only crematorium is unlikely to re-open before the end of the year following a serious fire in February.
The Port Shepstone Crematorium is operated privately by Independent Crematoriums South Africa (ICSA), based in Cape Town. The company remains silent as to when the crematorium will reopen.
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Since the fire, families have had to travel to Durban to have their loved ones cremated, which is an added cost.
Ward 17 councillor, Ajith Rajaram, said it was of great concern that the crematorium in Oslo Beach had been out of order for many months.
“This is an inconvenience, and it creates an added cost that many cannot afford. I have requested time frames as to when this facility will be in operation but have received none from the company.”
A Herald reporter visited the crematorium last week and and noted that the building had been refurbished to a certain extent.
New roofing had been installed on the chapel and the crematorium, but the burnt furnace still remains and there’s much work to be done to the windows, doors and plumbing.
Regional operational manager, Cedric Barthus, said he was waiting for an update from the contractor on the progress made so far.
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