They are aware that the palisade fence at the cemetery has been stolen and have reported this matter to the police.
This is according to metro spokesperson Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, who responded to Ward 32 councillor Marius de Vos’ concerns about the Boksburg Cemetery, which is in a dire state.
READ STORY: Boksburg Cemetery in a mess
De Vos said the cemetery is becoming an eyesore as the fences are being stolen, adding that it is in need of general maintenance.
“The stolen fences will be replaced, preferably after getting 24-hour security at the premises,” said Cebekhulu.
“Anyone who is caught stealing fences will be will be arrested and handed over to the police and the law will be allowed to take its course.”
He said the council remains responsible for maintenance of the cemeteries.
“The cemetery was maintained by a contractor, but the contract ended on June 30. We are in the process of appointing a new contractor for full cemetery maintenance.”
He said there are six staff members responsible for both the Boksburg old cemetery and the Boksburg sub-regional cemetery. These personnel are also responsible for grave-digging and grave-closing, which is given first preference.
“They are not able to keep up with the maintenance requirements, but the issue will be solved by getting a contractor to do the maintenance.
“We have a limited number of employees due to resource constraints and they are not able to keep up with maintenance programmes.”
He confirmed that vandalism and business break-ins are a problem at cemeteries in Boksburg.
