City Concerned Over Refuse Left at Cemeteries by Funeral Undertakers

A cemetery is a final resting place for departed loved ones. As such, its upkeep is an extension of the same love that was afforded to those who rest there when they were alive.

The City has noted with concern an ongoing trend of refuse and dirt left lying around at cemeteries after burial services by some undertakers.

Hazardous waste, such as used latex gloves, disposable face masks, red tape and empty plastic water bottles were seen left lying on the ground at the Vlakfontein cemetery in Dunnottar, near Nigel recently.

Divisional Head for Parks and Cemeteries Emmanuel Maphorogo urges all funeral undertakers that use the City’s cemeteries to not leave dirt and refuse lying around after they conduct a burial.

“It is the responsibility of each funeral house to tidy up after conducting a funeral,” he explained.

“This indifferent act is dangerous, particularly during this time of COVID-19. We cannot afford to be complacent about issues of hygiene especially where we usually have large numbers of people assembling every now and then. I therefore, urge all undertakers to heed the call to maintain cleanliness at gravesites,” pleaded Maphorogo.

Furthermore, the city is working on urgently convening a virtual meeting with all funeral undertakers to address the issue of cleanliness at the cemeteries.

A cemetery is a final resting place for departed loved ones. As such, its upkeep is an extension of the same love that was afforded to those who rest there when they were alive.

The City has noted with concern an ongoing trend of refuse and dirt left lying around at cemeteries after burial services by some undertakers.

Hazardous waste, such as used latex gloves, disposable face masks, red tape and empty plastic water bottles were seen left lying on the ground at the Vlakfontein cemetery in Dunnottar, near Nigel recently.

Divisional Head for Parks and Cemeteries Emmanuel Maphorogo urges all funeral undertakers that use the City’s cemeteries to not leave dirt and refuse lying around after they conduct a burial.

“It is the responsibility of each funeral house to tidy up after conducting a funeral,” he explained.

“This indifferent act is dangerous, particularly during this time of COVID-19. We cannot afford to be complacent about issues of hygiene especially where we usually have large numbers of people assembling every now and then. I therefore, urge all undertakers to heed the call to maintain cleanliness at gravesites,” pleaded Maphorogo.

Furthermore, the city is working on urgently convening a virtual meeting with all funeral undertakers to address the issue of cleanliness at the cemeteries.