License Oversight Continues Crematorium Closure Saga

Despite an estimated R9.7 million already being spent on renovating the Lala Ngoxolo Crematorium in Crystal Park, the facility won’t be operational soon, facing another setback.

Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, disclosed that the facility remains non-functional due to pending tests.

“The Air Emissions Licence (AEL) has lapsed, but the department has already submitted the renewal application to the authority for processing,” explained Dlamini.

Also read: Illegal Dumping Persists as Landfill Site Remains Closed

This isn’t the first time the Air Emissions Licence has expired. In September 2022, Dlamini mentioned that the facility would reopen upon receiving the AEL, a permit necessary to operate a crematorium issued by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).

Last June, the Benoni City Times received confirmation from the city that they had obtained a valid AEL, which has since expired again.

The ongoing closure of Lala Ngoxolo has severely impacted local funeral directors, who have to incur additional costs by booking cremations at facilities such as Witbank, Brixton, and Lenasia.

Meanwhile, the procurement stage for constructing the building extension at the crematorium is still ongoing. At the same time, the refurbishment of the coffin cold room and two existing cremators has been completed.

Source: Crematorium saga: Another licence lapse keeps the doors shut

Also read:

Boksburg North Residents Frustrated by Closure of Deteriorating Pool

Picture: Supplied by Benoni City Times

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