Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the custodians of open spaces including cemeteries, are reminding families to regularly visit the graves of their loved ones as further incidents of sunken graves in Olifantsvlei cemetery, have been reported. Recent burials in other cemeteries such as Avalon, Allandale, and Westpark cemeteries, could experience the same.
JCPZ staff and contractors may only refill sunken graves once granted permission by the families.Grave subsidence or sinking; occurs when the soil settles and pockets of air are released over time. The presence of water due to the heavy rain and soil erosion, exacerbates the process, leading to considerable sinkage of graves.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is exploring solutions to avoid this phenomenon of sunken graves during the summer downpours.
Alternative burial options are becoming more common in cities like Johannesburg. Families can choose the following methods or visit our website www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com for additional information.
- Standard first burials: New grave allocated to the family of the deceased.
- Second Interments: 2nd and 3rd burials: Available to family members, who choose to bury 1 or 2 additional family members in the same grave.
- Reduction burials: Involve the exhumation of remains into a small coffin, which is then reburied, allowing for more burial space in the same location.
- Cremation: A family receives the ashes of the deceased and decides how to best honour the memory of their dearly departed thereafter.
Families of loved ones laid to rest in cemeteries, must be aware that any enhancements to graves of loved ones and maintenance, remains the sole responsibility of families and that compliance of by-laws, must strictly be adhered to.
“The phenomenon of sinking graves is caused by heavy rains and families are urged to heed the call to come forward to restore the dignity of their loved ones. The sinking of graves is at the surface level between 10cm to 50 cm,” stated Mr Azola Manjati, Manager for Cemeteries and Crematoria, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
Residents may contact Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo on 011 712 6600/6617 or email Mr Zolile Mpophoma at zmpophoma@jhbcityparks.comwith details of the cemetery, name of the deceased, the section where the grave is located, and grave number.
INFO SUPPLIED.
