The City of Johannesburg is urging residents to consider alternative burial options, due to the lack of space.
According to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo – the city is losing burial space due to migration patterns.
The city says reduction burials, which involve using a smaller coffin for remains allows for more burial space.
Another option is second burial, which allows for couples or families to be buried in the same grave.
Above ground burial, cremation reduction burials, and second burial are just some of the options the City says people should consider.
The city said only four of the 38 cemeteries managed by the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo are available for new burials.
“There is currently adequate burial space in the City of Joburg, however, we need to start considering alternatives now, to cater for a future where there will not be enough cemeteries for the anticipated growth in urban centres around the world,” said MMC for Community Development Nonhlanhla Sifumba.
The City has called on religious leaders and funeral directors to continuously engage bereaved families about alternatives.
Source: EWN
