Bulawayo Urges Residents To Embrace Cremation, Double Burials
The City of Bulawayo is urging residents to consider cremation and double burials as the city is fast running out of burial space.
Cremation is a method of the final disposition of a dead body through burning, while double burials mean putting two bodies in one grave.
According to the latest council report, the Bulawayo City Council said the demand for burial space was increasing. Part of the report reads:
(Ward 5) Councillor F. (Felix) Mhaka’s view was that residents should embrace cremation. Cremation Service delivery should be opened to private entities.
(Ward 17) Councillor S (Sikhululekile) Moyo noted that the death rate was very high and the demand for burial space was increasing. She supported cremation.
She also inquired about the progress regarding Pumula South Cemetery. As a smart city there was a need to embrace other human body disposal methods and save land for future developmental projects.
A single grave should have more than one burial. For effective cremation, private players should be involved.
The chairperson and Ward 10 Councillor Sinikiwe Mutanda spoke in favour of double interment, especially among married couples. Reads the report:
There were a lot of improvements that needed to be done to make the cremation service delivery appear decent. Council should also acquire a new modern cremator soon.
In response to the various concerns raised the senior Divisional Health Officer explained that double interment was being encouraged. Couples were allowed to make necessary bookings.
Where the booking had not been made the grave could not be re-opened for a period of up to 10 years.
The high death rate contributed to the maximisation of space in between graves at council cemeteries.
Efforts were being made to encourage residents to embrace cremation. Most residents, especially Christians did not have a Biblical reference to cremation. There was low uptake of cremation worldwide.
The council report also revealed that there were only six cremations — four females and two males in November. | B-Metro
