THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has set aside R850,000 towards the much-needed extension of the Malabar Cemetery.
The 5 hectares extension will result in a further 17 000 burial space graves being added. The project, which will see the fencing being extended, is expected to get off the ground within the first quarter (July-September) of the current financial year.
The planned extension of the cemetery comes after Public Health Portfolio Head, Cllr Thsonono Buyeyerecently led the portfolio committee on an oversite visit to cemeteries.
The Malabar Cemetery possibly running out of burial space was further highlighted during the oversight visit.
MMC Buyeye said the Metro had to act swiftly to avert a possible crisis.
“This coalition government is committed to improving service delivery to everyone in the Metro. We could not wait until we run out of burial space hence we are moving with speed to add the further 17 000 burial space for graves.”
“We understand how families respect cemeteries as their loved ones rest there. For some, there is a spiritual connection they find whenever they visit the grave sites. Both the living and the dead must be treated with care hence we could not afford to run out of burial space,” he said.
The investment is set to benefit various communities within the Metro as families across the Metro utilise the cemetery.
Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office.
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