Crematorium back on the agenda for Richards Bay

FUTURE cemetery development, the use of cemeteries, alternate burial methods, the need for a crematorium in Richards Bay and even the possibility of a pet crematorium are under investigation by the City of uMhlathuze.

With a number of cities running short of burial land largely owing to the migration of people seeking job opportunities, an item seeking planning solutions to preempt a potential future problem was debated at last week’s Executive Committee meeting.

It was noted that provision of cemeteries and crematoria is governed by a large legislative framework encompassing, among others: health, water, environment, planning, land usage and building criteria.

While previous attempts failed to encourage private sector development of a crematorium in Richards Bay, the matter has again been raised as an urgent need, specifically from the Indian community.

The need for a crematorium for pets was highlighted.

Based on current burial trends, urbanisation and projected population growth, a 50-year period is now used for macro-planning purposes.

Burial statistics for the past four years at the city’s cemeteries

2012/13 – eSikhaleni 354; R/Bay 323; eNseleni 48; Empangeni 4

2013/14 – eSikhaleni 335; R/Bay 322; eNseleni 40; Empangeni 1

2014/15 – eSikhaleni 373; R/Bay 300; eNseleni 38; Empangeni 2

2015/16 – eSikhaleni 370; R/Bay 346; eNseleni 2; Empangeni 0.