Embrace cremation, double burials to save land, By...

Embrace cremation, double burials to save land, Byo urges residents

The Bulawayo City Council is urging residents to embrace cremation in the face of dwindling burial space

Zim Now Writer

As the city continues to run out of burial space, the Bulawayo City Council is calling on residents to take up cremation and double burials.

According to the latest council report, the local authority said the demand for burial space continued to increase.

Ward 5 Councillor Felix Mhaka called on residents to embrace cremation, adding that cremation services should be open to private entities.

Councillor for Ward 17, Sikhululekile Moyo supported cremation, saying the city was recording more deaths, which meant higher demand for burial space.

Moyo also wanted to know the progress on the Pumula South Cemetery, arguing also that as a smart city there was need to embrace alternative body disposal methods so as to save land for future developmental projects.

Ward 10 Councillor Sinikiwe Mutanda was in favour of double interment, especially among married couples.

“There were a lot of improvements that needed to be done to make the cremation service delivery appear decent. Council should also acquire a new modern cremator soon.

In response to the various concerns raised the senior Divisional Health Officer explained that double interment was being encouraged. Couples were allowed to make necessary bookings,” a council report said.

The council report also said in the month of November, there were only six cremations, four females and two males, which shows how unpopular cremation is in the country as is the trend across the world.