The City of Cape Town warned water table levels
at some cemeteries in the metro, has been affected due to heavy rains
experienced in the City recently, which could potentially impact operations in
the short term.
‘’While this is not a new phenomenon, the
situation has been exacerbated by the prevailing weather conditions. I think we
can all agree that this has been a very wet start to winter, and the impacts
have been felt all around. Unfortunately, our cemeteries are not exempt, and we
are working to manage the situation as best as possible,’’ said Mayoral Committee
Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
‘’The Recreation and Parks Department has
implemented mitigation measures, and the City appreciates the understanding and
cooperation of families, mourners and undertakers during this time,’’ she
added.
Van der Ross said undertakers and bereaved
families should be aware that shallower graves might need to be prepared.
‘’Depending on water table levels at a
particular cemetery. This will limit the opportunity to bury a second coffin in
the same private grave,’’ said Van der Ross.
The mayco member said the City reserves the
right to advise against requests for reopening of a family grave if it is in an
area of the cemetery where it is very waterlogged and/or recommend an alternate
grave or an alternate cemetery.
Van der Ross gave tips on what to do at grave
sites:
·
Parking,
roads and pathways might be unusually flooded, or slippery, and the public is
advised to exercise extreme caution.
·
Wear
suitable weatherproof clothing and non-slip shoes to avoid slipping.
·
Arrive
timeously at the burial and do not exceed the 30-minute timeslot so as to
alleviate parking congestion.
·
Consider
a smaller number of people attending burials, particularly during episodes of
inclement weather.
·
Exercise
caution when carrying coffins and avoid standing too close to open graves.
·
Consider
weekday burials to reduce overcrowding of cemeteries on weekends.
Done By: Sibulele Stuurman
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