Kagiso Cemetery has over an extended period experienced water ingress in some graves, with the situation significantly deteriorating in 2022 as the water logging spread from the initial estimated 2.7 hectares (ha) to other sections of the cemetery.
Guided by extensive investigation work with the assistance of engineers, considering legal guidelines related to exhumations, cost implications, long-term public needs for burials, stakeholder consultation and other, a decision was made to opt for sustainable engineering solutions combined with natural hydro-logical processes. This however had major cost implications and progress towards restoration also stemmed from the challenge of no budget being allocated for the project. Budget was eventually secured, a procurement process followed, a service provider subsequently appointed.
Restoration work
Although funding was secured for the project, due to budget constraints the project will be done over two phases to the value of R3m of which R1m will be spent in Phase 1 and the remainder in the 2023/2024 financial year for Phase 2.
We are delighted to announce that with a service provider appointed, inception meetings held, the site handed over to the provider and community stakeholders engaged with regards to benefaction from the project, it is all systems go as work commenced on Monday, 16 October 2023. Since commencements date, the following positive progress can be reported:
- An agreement with local community labour and business forum through the ward councillor for purposes of community beneficiation i.e. sourcing of ablution facilities, equipment and material such as TLBs and washed river sand and the employment of 6 workers from the local community
- Cordoning of the construction site
- Commencement with the excavation of trenches
- Delivery of material such as river sand to be used to intercept the groundwater and lower raised water tables, piping for directed draining of water and other.
The current commenced first phase of the project is targeted for completion in January 2024, factoring in potential delays due to rain and other unforeseen occurrences. With other areas of the cemetery remaining open for burials, visits or tombstone unveiling, the municipality will through the local councillor create forums of engagement and other communication platforms to keep affected parties and the media informed on progress at the cemetery.
While thanking all affected parties for their patience and understanding, the municipality further appeals for continued collaboration as we work on a permanent solution that will be sustainable from a social, economic and environmental point of view.