As the heavy summer rains continue to take their toll on Johannesburg’s cemeteries, families are being urged to pay regular visits to the graves of their loved ones.
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), which oversees the management of these burial sites, has reported a worrying rise in sunken graves, particularly at Olifantsvlei Cemetery.
This situation has raised alarms for other cemeteries, including Avalon, Allandale, and Westpark.
It is explained that grave subsidence, a phenomenon where the ground settles and air pockets are released, causing graves to sink, has led to this urgent advisory.
Other factors, such as water accumulation from heavy rains and ongoing soil erosion, are exacerbating the issue, resulting in surface-level sinkage that varies from 10 cm to 50 cm.
“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,” said Azola Manjati, Manager for Cemeteries and Crematoria at JCPZ.
Manjati further states that to avoid distress and restore the appearance of the resting places of their loved ones, families seeking to address the issue of sunken graves must personally visit the cemeteries.
It is clarified that JCPZ staff and contractors are only permitted to refill these sunken areas once they receive explicit permission from the family concerned.
In light of the increasing problems associated with traditional burials, JCPZ is also exploring alternative options for families.
These include:
Standard first burials: Allocation of a new grave for the deceased.
Second interments: Options for burying additional family members in the same grave.
Reduction burials: Exhumation of remains into a smaller coffin to free up grave space.
Cremation: A choice allowing families to receive ashes to honour their loved ones in a personal manner.
JCPZ stresses the importance of families understanding their responsibilities regarding grave enhancements and maintenance.
It is explained that compliance with cemetery by-laws is essential to ensure the dignity and respect of the memorial spaces. Notably, the upkeep and any enhancements made to graves ultimately remain the responsibility of the families.
Saturday Star