Uproar over Msunduzi Municipality cemetery upkeep

RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns about the state of the cemeteries in the Msunduzi Municipality.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

During the municipality's midterm budget review for 2025 and 2026, an allocation within the capital budget has been identified to procure the necessary tools of trade, amounting to approximately R500000.

Complaints have surfaced about the unkempt state of the Mountain Rise Cemetery. Images taken by a member of the public, Peter Dye, showed long grass surrounding grave sites and tombs this week.

The Msunduzi Municipality explained that the Mountain Rise Cemetery spanned approximately 67 hectares and is currently managed with limited staff and resources.

The municipality stated that the situation has been further challenged by inclement weather conditions, which have impacted maintenance operations.

Anele Makhanya, Msunduzi Municipality's spokesperson, said to address these challenges the intake of general workers would significantly strengthen cemetery staffing capacity and assist in clearing maintenance backlogs, particularly those exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.

"The necessary tools of trade have already been identified and piloted on site. The estimated budget for this intervention is approximately R500000. This investment will enhance operational efficiency and service delivery at the cemetery," Makhanya said.