With an investment of R40 million, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is set to upgrade the security and development of cemeteries across the metropole before the end of the year.
This was announced on Monday by Mayoral Committee Member for Public Health, Cllr Lance Grootboom, when he visited the Despatch Cemetery to inspect the newly completed R6 million fencing project.
This forms part of the Metropole’s commitment to attend to residents’ Intergrated Development Plan inputs.
The security plans for cemeteries include fencing of all cemeteries following concerns that were raised by residents. These concerns include access control, animal loitering in cemeteries, vandalism and criminal activities, among other concerns.
“We are happy to see this project completed within this financial year as this facility was affected by vandalism under the higher levels of the COVID-19 lockdown,” said MMC Grootboom.
“We will be doing the security upgrades at the Bucwa Cemetery in KwaNobuhle, Korsten, Govan Mbeki and Colchester Cemetery where land issues are being addressed for those communities.
“Other security plans include security cameras and security guards that will now be placed at these facilities to make sure that our loved ones continue to rest in peace and in dignity,” said MMC Grootboom.
Public Health Executive Director, Sizwe Mvunelwa, said that the upgraded security would assist the metropole to enforce its bylaws.
“We need the communities to look after the facilities as these facilities are there for the residents,” concluded MMC Grootboom.
