Families with loved ones buried at Gqeberha Cemetery, in Walmer Township, can now be at ease that their loved one’s graves will be protected against harm since fencing was recently erected around the cemetery.
During a recent oversight visit to the cemetery, MMC for public health in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Lance Grootboom, said that a fence was an absolute necessity, due to the damaging of tombstones as a result of vandalism. Animals have also been walking over the graves, further damaging tombstones.
“It is important for us to protect the gravestones and respect and protect the dignity of those buried there and their families,” Grootboom said.
He explained that work on the fence started in January this year and that this was an important milestone, since the cemetery didn’t have a fence before. This cemetery is also not the only one receiving a fence.
“We will also be moving on to Despatch to erect a fence around the Despatch Cemetery this month.
“The reason for this upgrade is also to address vandalism there; something that has been a huge issue in Nelson Mandela Bay, Grootboom added.
Ward Councillor, Ayanda Tyokwana, said that they were very grateful for this development that had taken place at the cemetery.
“The fence ensures that the stray animals, such as cattle or goats, do not knock over the tombstones.
“The fencing, which has two gates, has also given the cemetery a facelift because there wasn’t any proper fencing there before,” Tyokwana said.
He added that, in the past, since there was no proper fence with gates, the house on the premises was vandalised, due to easy access to the cemetery.
“Vagrants vandalised and tore off the roof sheeting and woodwork that formed part of the roof.
“They also stole the windows, doors and plumbing.”
He mentioned that when this building is renovated, the new fence would limit the chances of such vandalism taking place again.
The cost of the project was just under R2 million.
