Durban is expected to have no new burial space by January.
This is by no means a new problem – and the city has had ample warning of the impending situation.
Cremation, grave recycling – or maybe mausoleums?
These are some of the suggestions for dealing with the critical shortage of burial space.
eThekwini Deputy Mayor Belinda Scott says there has to be a political will to make this happen.
“We will ensure that this is prioritized. Until this matter is prioritised we will be sitting here in six months’ time with no solution to … a very big problem. So you have my undertaking from the mayor’s office and you can hold me to account that this will be prioritized.”
Scott is hoping some concrete solutions will be found at the Pan-African Cemeteries and Crematoria conference.
A variety of alternatives are being touted.
Town Planner Johan Jonas says an above-ground installation is an option.
“The option that came up to look at accommodating these containers in an above-ground installation, typically a warehouse constructed and equipped with the necessary pipework where the containers can be accommodated for the duration of the period that it takes to fully decompose.”
But cultural and religious practices mean the eThekwini Municipality – like others facing a similar problem – will have to work hard to get public buy-in on some of the alternatives.
The Pan-African Cemeteries and Crematoria Conference in Durban continues until Wednesday.
In other news – Zahara offers to help idols twins if they don’t win
Twins Viggy and Virginia Qwabe have hogged headlines since making history by both making it into the top 17, which was a first for Idols. The pair have appeared on the cover of Drum magazine talking about how they were derided on social media, being called ugly. Now they have secured a place in the top 10 don’t seem to be slowing down.
“I’ve never seen a talented person not make it to Idols because they were called ugly. Talent counts- beauty can be bought,” Virginia said as Viggy agreed. continue reading
Source: eNCA
