The City of Cape Town’s Parks Department has almost completed the upgrade of Kuils River Cemetery, so visitors will benefit from a much improved facility.

City Parks has invested substantial funding in the upgrade over the past three years in order to improve the cemetery’s appearance and restore it to its rightful condition as a place of dignity.

Since 2009, City Parks has spent R2,2 million in order to create a facility that visitors and the community can be proud of. Improvements include:

• The construction of additional footpaths
• Installation of concrete plinths
  
• High-mast lighting
  
• Repairs to the building and interior of the facility
  
  

In addition, the old dilapidated brick wall has been replaced with a green palisade fence, changing the appearance of the cemetery completely.

“This year alone, the City has spent R1,2 million on upgrades to the parking area, ablution facilities, main entrance gate, and landscaping. Negotiations are also underway for the extension of the cemetery – which the new parking facility will support,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Tandeka Gqada.

An additional R900 000,00 has been allocated for the 2013/14 financial year for further improvements. The funding is earmarked for the planned extension in order to increase capacity as the cemetery is almost full.

“We are well on our way to developing this cemetery as a flagship facility, where residents can visit their departed loved ones in a safe and peaceful environment,” said Councillor Gqada.