R3,35 million budgeted to maintain city’s parks and cemeteries
An annual budget of R3,35 million has been ring-fenced for horticultural services within the 32 cemeteries in the city.
The New Roodepoort cemetery is to get a facelift as the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has brought in additional resources to maintain parks and cemeteries.
Apparently, the JCPZ has commenced working on the Westpark Cemetery, doing routine maintenance, but the more intricate work around tombstones and the removal of grass are being undertaken by contractors.
It is said that similar maintenance operations are being carried out at Avalon, Alexandra, Olifantsvlei, Waterval in Midrand, Diepsloot, Nancefield, New Roodepoort, Newclare, Braamfontein, Brixton, Lenasia, Doornkop and the Panorama cemeteries. Regional teams together with appointed contractors are working tirelessly to ensure that all seasonal backlogs stemming from the heavy rains are resolved in May.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Joburg, councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba said, “I regret the state of neglect that is evident in the last resting places of the loved ones of the city. I had a meeting with the relevant operations personnel and requested that they resolve the backlogs as a matter of urgency. It cannot be that this government makes a commitment to offering services with pride, and we have cemeteries looking like they have been during the rainy season.”
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Sifumba also noted that she appreciated that some work had to be cancelled due to heavy rains, but has pleaded with JCPZ to adhere to the maintenance schedules.
“Currently, an annual budget of R3,35 million has been ring-fenced for horticultural services within the 32 cemeteries in the city.
This is a far cry from the amount required to align with best practices, but if it is used effectively and efficiently, it will make a difference,” stated Sifumba.
“As graves are sacred, and belong to the families of the deceased, I am appealing to families to maintain the graves of loved ones where possible, as the by-laws in the city place the onus on families to maintain damaged headstones and broken memorials, remove decaying plants and weeds, replace plaques and ensure that all graves are well kept,” she said.
Residents with service delivery concerns regarding cemetery maintenance in the city can direct all their complaints to the Cemeteries Manager, Reggie Moloi, on 011 712 6714 or email rmoloi@jhbcityparks.com, or call the Joburg Connect Call Centre on 011 375 5555.
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