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Rising Concerns Over Sinking Graves in Johannesburg Cemeteries Amid Heavy Rains
Johannesburg’s cemeteries face increasing challenges as heavy summer rains exacerbate a worrying rise in sunken graves, particularly at Olifantsvlei Cemetery. Families are urged to visit the graves of their loved ones regularly to address these issues and uphold the dignity of memorial spaces.
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), which manages the city’s burial sites, has reported significant ground subsidence, a phenomenon where the earth settles due to the release of air pockets. This issue has been particularly severe at Olifantsvlei Cemetery but is also raising alarms at Avalon, Allandale, and Westpark cemeteries.
Factors Contributing to Sinking Graves:
- Accumulation of water from heavy rains.
- Soil erosion causing surface-level sinkage of 10 cm to 50 cm.
Azola Manjati, Manager for Cemeteries and Crematoria at JCPZ, stated,
“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.”
While JCPZ staff and contractors can assist in refilling sunken graves, they are only permitted to do so with explicit permission from the families. Manjati emphasized the importance of families playing an active role in maintaining gravesites, in compliance with cemetery by-laws.
Key Responsibilities:
- Families must visit cemeteries to oversee grave restoration.
- Maintenance and any enhancements to graves remain the responsibility of the families.
To address the growing challenges associated with traditional burials, JCPZ is promoting alternative options that provide flexibility and sustainability for families:
- Standard First Burials: Allocation of a new grave.
- Second Interments: Burying additional family members in the same grave.
- Reduction Burials: Exhuming remains into smaller coffins to free up space.
- Cremation: Allowing families to receive ashes for personal memorials.
These alternatives aim to offer families practical solutions while preserving the dignity of burial spaces.
The ongoing issues with sunken graves highlight the impact of climate challenges on cemetery infrastructure. By encouraging regular visits and exploring alternative burial practices, JCPZ aims to maintain the sanctity of these spaces while ensuring they are sustainable for future generations.
Families are encouraged to take proactive measures to restore and maintain the graves of their loved ones. Together, the community can uphold the dignity of these memorial spaces amid Johannesburg’s changing environment.
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