Cemetery water table challenges aggravated by severe weather
28 September 2023
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has endured a setback in efforts to mitigate the impact of water table problems caused by heavy winter rainfall, following the extreme weather experienced over the recent long weekend. The Department’s tree emergency teams too had their hands full.
A number of City cemeteries continue to experience disruptions to operations as a result of adverse weather conditions.
The Recreation and Parks Department introduced interventions in August to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall experienced over the period.
These efforts have now been waylaid by the most recent severe weather episode. In response to these critical circumstances, teams have been working tirelessly to clear fallen trees and to redirect, channel, and pump waterlogged areas.
Rusthof Cemetery, one of the primary burial grounds in the Helderberg region, has announced a temporary suspension of burial services, due to flooding of cemetery access roads.
The Recreation and Parks Department is closely monitoring the situation and is actively engaged in efforts to address the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.
The safety and well-being of residents and visitors is paramount, and every effort is being made to ensure that cemetery operations can resume as soon as conditions permit.
Other affected cemeteries, such as Maitland, Plumstead, Gugulethu, Langa, and Ottery are open; however, certain areas where family graves are located are temporarily inaccessible for reburials.
For updates and additional information, please contact the cemetery booking office or send an email to RP.Enquiries@capetown.gov.za
'The impact on our cemetery operations is unfortunate, and we extend our gratitude to the public for their understanding and cooperation during this challenging period. Our staff are doing everything possible to return our facilities to their original state – safe for use by the public. The Recreation and Parks Department remains committed to delivering the best possible services to the public, in our cemeteries, public open spaces, and also in dealing with tree emergencies. We saw a marked increase in incidents reported over the long weekend. In fact, we had more calls over a three-day period than that recorded for the whole of winter, and work continues in this regard. I want to thank the staff for the hard work, particularly over the past few days,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross..
Between 23 and 25 September 2023, emergency tree teams responded to nearly 150 incidents, including trees that had fallen onto buildings, power lines, obstructed roads and various structures. These trees were swiftly cleared to ensure public safety and subsequent clean-up operations were also carried out.
Between May and August, the total number of tree emergencies was 76, which was already more than double the number during the previous winter.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
