Branton Matondo
Mutare City’s Yeovil and Dangamvura cemeteries have gone under scrutiny following expression of worries by Chikanga and Dangamvura residents at large over the expansion of graveyards towards residential areas.
The graveyard talk was brought to the attention of city fathers from stakeholders during a budget consultation on September 28 at Queens Hall.
A concerned resident of Chikanga phase 1 who spoke during the budget engagements said Yeovil cemetery is extending towards the main road and it is disturbing to note that the distance between the much talked about graveyard and the road is just a stone throw away.
“Yeovil cemetery is extending towards Chikanga residential area and residents from that phase are facing challenges each and every day because it’s not easy to be exposed to funeral sessions and coffins daily at close proximity,” said the resident.
She added that children have become ‘captain imitators’ of funeral sessions and it is a problem on how children bear witness to such traumatic experiences.
“Children have become imitators of everything they see happening at the exposed grave yard. Children have even gone to extent of making up their own little coffins and graveyards when playing and socializing. They even take flowers at graveyards as they try to copy in their plays,” she added.
Speaking to TellZim News, Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (MRRA) leader Chief Svosve real name David Mutambirwa commented on the troubling situation and said council’s neglect on securing graveyards is undermining the sacredness of death which should be sacrosanct.
“As a culturist and traditional leader, I totally agree with the residents’ concerns. Death by its nature is a sacred occasion and should be treated as such. It is morally and culturally unacceptable to maliciously expose children and even adults to funeral experiences. Urgent attention should be taken to take this unpalatable experience from Chikanga residents,” said Chief Svosve.
The outspoken heritage guru added that council should prioritize construction of a boundary before the problem goes haywire.
“I recommend the erection of a structure to protect members of the public from the happenings at the cemetery and in future, there’s need to consult residents on any initiative which has an impact on their lives including traditional leadership, churches, and other relevant stakeholders,” he added.
Another resident who was also part of meeting pointed out the need for council to construct ablution facilities at graveyards.
She added that the same situation obtaining at Yeovil cemetery is also being experienced at Dangamvura cemetery though the latter’s situation is much worse.
“Do you know that stray cattle come from nearby places like Dora vandalizing tomb stones and graves? As council, you charge a fee for families to set a tombstone but the challenge is not being addressed. It’s now a menace and we call for council to act quickly,” she said.
Council representatives at the meeting however assured Mutare residents that a budget is already in place with figures amounting to over US$ 5 000 for both graveyards.
They also reassured residents that construction of ablution blocks and placement of security perimeters have also been prioritized in the budget.
