Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has started developing new cemeteries that were recently gazetted by the Government.
The development comes at a time when the municipality has said the New Luveve cemetery, which was the only one functioning for the past months was seriously congested.
In July, the Government gazetted the Pumula South suburb cemetery and the Marvel cemetery near Mahatshula suburb following the closure of West Park Cemetery at the end of May. The city has been depending on New Luveve cemetery, but burials there have been expensive for some as they had to travel for about 25km to bury their loved ones. In the latest council minutes, BCC said it has now started developing the new two cemeteries.
“The gazetting had finally been done and we were now in the process of putting up the required infrastructure in liaison with relevant council departments. Fees charged for both cemeteries will resemble those of West Park cemetery,” read the minutes.
Councillors urged council to fast track developments at the new cemeteries as the New Luveve cemetery was congested.
Ward 24 Clr Gideon Mangena said most residents and churches need to be advised to keep burial times to avoid congestion.
“Residents were advised to inform the department during the first burial if they intended to have double burials so that the necessary arrangements could be made in advance,” read the minutes.
Ward 12 Clr Lilian Mlilo raised concern that some residents were in the dark regarding the criteria used for one to be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery.
“The Acting Director of Community Housing and Services also advised the relevant resolution on burials at Lady Stanley was reviewed in 2015.
“The benchmark age of 80 years was also reviewed. The resident should have contributed significantly (social, political etc) to the development of the city in various categories and should have resided in the city for a period of more than 20 years,” read the minutes. — @nqotshili