Recycling of graves on the cards
2010-02-04
Sieb Sieberhagen
THE Drakenstein Municipality, like many other local authorities across the country, is suffering a shortage of land for cemeteries and a number of graveyards nationally are being closed down as a result. The Parys Cemetery in Paarl will soon reach its full capacity. This reality is forcing Drakenstein Municipality, like municipalities elsewhere, to consider alternative methods of interment (burial). One such alternative which is already a well-established practice is cremation, as it helps to address the shortage of land for cemeteries. Another alternative under serious consideration involves the re-use of existing graves. Commonly called ‘grave-recycling’, this alternative is gaining momentum at national conferences and meetings and the practice itself is gaining ground in South Africa as a way to lengthen the lifespan of a cemetery. In accordance with National Cemeteries Association (INCA) standards, grave recycling involves the re-use of a grave after a period of 20 years or more where the human remains in the grave are either removed and placed elsewhere or re-buried deeper in the same grave. The re-use of graves in this way provides for burial in areas where existing cemeteries have reached their capacity. Due to the critical shortage of grave sites at Parys Cemetery in Paarl, and the dire need to address the future shortages at other municipal cemeteries, the acquisition of land for cemeteries and alternative interment methods is an increasingly urgent matter for the Drakenstein Municipality. Coupled to the shortage of land for cemeteries is the enormous cost of establishing and maintaining graveyards. Re-using graves uses existing resources to sustain existing cemeteries and can prove an immediate solution to municipalities in dire need of land. Immediate cost saving is achieved by not purchasing additional land, coupled with the savings realized in not having to provide additional operational and capital costs for new cemeteries. The potential negative impact of cemetery development includes the contamination of water sources, loss of biodiversity, decreased land values, loss of alternative land use for residential or commercial development and the cost of land identification, establishment and maintenance of a cemetery. The Drakenstein Parks department is preparing proposals for a pilot site on a portion of land at Parys Cemetery (50m x 50m) for 400 new graves. The existing graves on the site are all older than 50 years and no records exist of who is buried there, as the area was previously used for pauper burials. The method of interment at the proposed pilot site will not involve the disturbance of human remains. Because of the sensitivity of this matter, Drakenstein Municipality is making a call to residents to register their interest to attend a public meeting(s) where this will be discussed as a means of gathering public opinion. Residents interested in this matter can send sms’s to André van den Berg at 082-776-2906 or e-mail him at andreb@drakenstein.gov.za or call him at 021-807-6324 during office hours.
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