Load shedding forces funeral parlours to switch to...

Load shedding forces funeral parlours to switch to solar, generators

Zim Now Writer

Prolonged power outages have forced funeral parlours to switch to the use of solar energy and generators to preserve bodies.

Doves Funeral Group spokesperson, Innocent Tshuma said the power outages have affected funeral parlours, pushing them into adopting alternative energy sources besides electricity.

“Being in existence for over 120 years has allowed us to prepare adequately to provide for unparalleled seamless service in our industry. The preparation allows us to operate in any given environment as we have alternative redundancy power sources such as solar and generators in our wide branch network,” Tshuma said.

Tshuma added that they have also adopted the use of chemicals that preserve bodies for a longer time.

Funeral Directors Association of Zimbabwe president, and general secretary of Old Mutual, Japhet Nyamuchengwa said electricity is pivotal in the whole funeral value chain.

“Most family funeral businesses cannot afford to install alternative power like solar systems. Electricity is essential in the whole funeral value chain from body removals, mortuary fridges, and casket manufacturing and chapel services. As you may be aware, the majority of players in this space are small businesses; mostly family businesses who cannot afford installation of solar or off-solar systems to avoid bodies rotting. Decomposition of bodies has a negative effect to the funeral business.

“From previous reports; one can conclude that decomposition of bodies has had severe effects to businesses which include undesirable customer experiences and even litigation. We have a few casket manufacturing plants that can produce quality caskets, and power blackouts lead to unsustainable stock levels and put pressure on the manufacturers to come up with products that can preserve bodies well. Body removals are difficult to do in the absence of power as we need to identify bodies in the public mortuaries,” Nyamuchengwa said.

There were reports last year that bodies were decomposing at Victoria Chitepo Hospital, formerly Mutare Provincial Hospital as a result of mortuary cold room failures.