By Tatenda Sibanda
Zvishavane – Town Council has ruled out the expansion of its two cemeteries that have reached full capacity, and instead commissioned new sites for cemeteries as part of the municipality’s long-term urban development strategy.
Speaking to TellZim News, Zvishavane Town Council Chairperson Councilor Takarangana Keta said the local authority commissioned a new burial site at Four Miles Cemetery in Mabhula saying all required infrastructure had been acquired to enable the construction of the cemeteries.
“We commissioned a new site for the establishment of two cemeteries and this is being done under the local authority’s urban term development strategy. In a few months to come we expect to commence operations on one of the sites and have it working probably by end of year to early next year.
“All requisite infrastructure and amenities have been put in place to ensure compliance with municipal standards,” he said.
He said the decision was in strict adherence to the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04], which provides statutory guidance on the establishment, governance, and regulation of public burial grounds.
“The Act mandates local authorities to oversee cemetery management, including their establishment, closure, and transfer of oversight to designated trustees.
“Zvishavane Town Council’s approach aligns with best practices in urban land use planning, ensuring that burial infrastructure remains sustainable while maintaining spatial efficiency in a rapidly developing municipality,” he said.
A local resident Jacob Nyoni Shava told Tellzim News that the development was most welcome as cemeteries were an important infrastructure which a town cannot operate without and urged the local authority to offer graves at an affordable price.
“We are happy to hear about this decision were two other cemeteries are set to be established. It shows that council is focused towards the growth of the city and also knowing that the population is increasing and death is something which comes any time.
“However my plea is that, we need affordable graves as a community because we cannot afford some of the charges. We have the elderly in our community who do not have the means to get money but they also need the service,” said Shava.
