Desperate shortage of burial space

months, it said.
The 50-year-old crematorium in Harare is also in a poor condition and in need of modernisation. Proposals including upgrading the crematorium and developing new burial areas will go before the council’s executive later next week.
“Given the shortage of land for burials, the department of Housing and Community Service was considering the issue of cremation as an alternative and a national debate would be initiated on the issue,” the report reads.
It has been estimated that the sprawling Mbudzi cemetery could be full within three to six months.
The report, which goes to the commission running the city next Thursday, contains recommendations including:
•Implementing the full programme of improvements for the crematorium
•Development of new areas for burial and the range of burial options
•Raising the profile of the service internally by ensuring bereavement services are considered fully in any new policies
•Developing new areas for burial at the two main cemeteries and creating a new cemetery.
Harare City Council spokesman Percy Toriro, said: “Providing quality services for the bereaved is critically important but often doesn’t get the profile it deserves.
“In an era of huge demands on resources and land, bereavement must not be allowed to slip down our list of priorities.”
Harare council deals with over 4,000 funerals each month and more than 700,000 people visit its cemeteries and crematorium. More than 2,500 cremations take place each year.
At present, Harare Council does not allow the re-use of old graves, though other authorities are considering doing so to cope with demand.