Community members and funeral parlours outraged by poor service at the City of Tshwane’s only crematorium, in Pretoria West, have been assured that work to refurbish the facility is on track.
Undertakers have repeatedly bemoaned the fact that they are forced to incur additional costs by using crematoria outside the City.
Bereaved families have to bear additional costs for transporting their loved ones' bodies to a crematorium in Emalahleni, and elsewhere.
Deputy Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who recently visited the Rebecca Crematorium in Pretoria West, accompanied by several aggrieved community members, promised that the facility will be operational in December and that its licence application approval was nearing finalisation.
She said community members had raised concerns about the non-functional state of the crematorium for a year.
“With the date for the reopening of the crematorium set for December 1, 2024, it is worth noting that a significant step forward has been achieved with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development signing off on the maintenance work on July 26, 2024,” Moya said.
She said the approval specifically covered the refurbishment of furnaces and cremators, including the successful cremation of a body using pressed wood pauper coffins.
“Following the inspection, the department representative expressed confidence in the completed work and has granted the green light for testing in preparation for licensing,” she said.
The department also conducted a national atmospheric emission inventory system audit, in accordance with Section 8 of the national atmospheric emissions reporting regulations 2015.
Moya said: “This comprehensive audit evaluated various aspects of the facility, including its structure, parking arrangements, cleanliness and urban management issues. We are pleased to announce that the audit has resulted in an audit-complete status, indicating compliance with regulations.”
As part of the preparation for the reopening, the City recently received the initial supply of gas from the designated service provider.
The supply, according to Moya, was essential for the testing phase involving the cremation of a few bodies to ensure complete compliance with standards and regulations.
Recently, the City said funds had been allocated for the new 2024/25 financial year, to help fund R1,2 million for gas provision and R150 000 for regular maintenance of the crematorium.
Moya said a tender for a three-year deal for the provision of gas had been approved by the City’s bid adjudication committee.
She assured residents that the City remained committed to upholding the highest standards and ensuring the facility’s readiness to serve the community effectively.
“We also appreciate the patience of the community members whom we have inconvenienced greatly.”
Pretoria News