17 Jun 2021

The Ghanzi District Council has taken over management of the township’s cemetery, according to council chairperson, Mr Thato Tshweneyagae.

Addressing a virtual full council meeting on Tuesday, Mr Tshweneyagae said the takeover effected in April this year, following extensive consultation with key stakeholders.

He explained that from April 1  to date, 26 graves had been dug and 24 had already been used, with five for children and 19 for adults.

He said total accrued to date was P1 400, adding that when there was need, the council employed casual labourers to assist.

Ghanzi deputy council secretary, Mr Omphile Mosweu, explained in an interview that the council was now responsible for digging graves, which members of the public would then buy at subsidised rates. 

He said the council was also charged with provision of security services, among others.

Mr Mosweu said the takeover of the management of the cemetery from the umbrella Village Development Committee (VDC), would enhance services and ensure proper land management in the cemetery.

 “Ghanzi is growing fast and better management of space is needed,” he stated, adding however that the council was yet to have bylaws relating to cemeteries, but they had been drafted and submitted to ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

Umbrella VDC chairperson, Mr Joseph Ndaba, said the council had unburdened the committee, which had hitherto been struggling with vandalism at the cemetery and burial of paupers.

He noted that the responsibility of paupers’ burial now lied with the council.  ENDS