The crematorium in Oslo Beach has been closed since being gutted by fire in February last year and families who have lost loved ones have had to travel to crematoriums in Claire Estate, Verulam or Stellawood in Durban.
ALSO READ : New crematorium to be built in Port Shepstone
A long-awaited upgrade by Independent Crematoriums South Africa (ICSA) is now on the cards, and one of the changes planned is to replace the old paraffin burners with gas incinerators.
At a recent call for community comment on the process, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and the Concerned Citizens Group met with representatives from ICSA and Kantey and Templer at Marburg Haven.
Representatives from the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Human Rights Centre were also present.
Yonela Ngcia from ISCA said that the plans would exceed the stringent environment regulations, and that, in addition to the buildings and toilets, the crematorium precinct will also be given an upgrade.
Issues raised by the community groups included the limited parking, preventing a repeat of the previous fire and the emission testing protocol.
Ideas put forward at the meeting would be considered and incorporated into the design.
Pastor Reggie John from the Human Rights Centre said this was excellent news for South Coasters.
“Families have had to bear the brunt of extra funeral costs. The new and improved crematorium will certainly benefit the community tremendously.We are hoping the crematorium will be ready by the end of the year.”
Meanwhile, some R10-million has been set aside for the construction of a new crematorium at the Izotsha Memorial Park.
Last year Ray Nkonyeni Municipality announced that it had started with designs for the new facility after funding had been made available by the Department of Human Settlements.
Municipal spokesman, Simon April said, “The municipality is ready to begin with the project. We have already appointed a contractor, but we are still waiting for the Environmental Impact Assessment.
“Once we obtain approval, we anticipate that the project will take around six months to complete.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
To receive our FREE email newsletter, click HERE
