Heavy rains affect graves at Joburg cemeteries

The recent heavy and persistent rainfall has unfortunately resulted in isolated incidents of graves becoming waterlogged and partially subsiding in sections of Olifantsvlei, Westpark, and Avalon Cemeteries.

The recent heavy and persistent rainfall has unfortunately resulted in isolated incidents of graves becoming waterlogged and partially subsiding in sections of Olifantsvlei, Westpark, and Avalon Cemeteries.

At this stage, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is unable to provide a confirmed number of affected graves as assessments are ongoing across the various cemeteries.
The impact has not been concentrated in a single section, but rather in isolated low-lying areas where prolonged saturation of the soil has occurred.

The degree of subsidence varies from minor soil settlement to more visible sinking around certain gravesites. Importantly, these are not widespread structural failures, but isolated cases linked to the excessive rainfall experienced over the past few weeks.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has proactively placed mounds of soil and sand at affected cemeteries to assist families who may need to refill or compact gravesites due to the rains. Families are encouraged to visit the resting places of their loved ones to inspect graves and reinstate headstones where necessary. JCPZ would also like to remind residents that the responsibility for the maintenance, repair, and safeguarding of tombstones and other improvements on gravesites remains with families. In this regard, JCPZ strongly advises families to only install permanent tombstones or headstones after one year of burial.

This allows sufficient time for the soil to compact naturally and reduces the risk of movement or damage. Due to past concerns and allegations relating to tampering with gravesites, JCPZ does not undertake reinstatement or repair work on behalf of families without their consent.

Families wishing to undertake repairs or reinstate headstones are encouraged to liaise with a qualified stonemason regarding the appropriate timing for such work. Permission to work on a gravesite must first be obtained through the relevant cemetery administration office, preferably during weekdays.

Families will be required to provide:

1.The name of the cemetery

2. Details of the deceased

3.The cemetery section, and

4.The grave number.

Article from Joburg Zoo