MILLICENT HUNGWE
The cemetery in Zvishavane’s Central Business District (CBD) has reached full capacity, prompting the town council to open a new one in Mabhula area.
The Midweek Watch confirmed that not everyone is pleased with this decision.
Chairman for Zvishavane Original Residents and Ratepayers Association, Kamino Sibango strongly opposes the idea, arguing that there is still space available along Gweru road, between the current cemetery and Glow Petroleum, stretching up to Gresham Primary and Mandava stadium, that can be used for burying departed loved ones.
Sibango also expressed concerns about the Mabhula area, citing its history of gold mining and the potential of artisanal miners to tamper with graves in the future. “Mabhula area is a gold mining area, and artisanal miners have a propensity of tempering with the graves in future,” he warned.
Sharrif Kasimu representing disabled people said that, “I wish the council would have a meeting with their residents in Zvishavane to see how they can resolve this serious issue.
“Actually the Zvishavane Town Council has made the decision without consulting the residents, and this was also the case when the Town Council went ahead and built a market place near the old cemetery,”
When contacted for a comment the Council Chairperson Cllr. Takarangana Keta said that the decision to open a new cemetery in Mabhula is in strict adherence to the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04] and aligns with the municipality’s long-term urban development strategy.
“The new cemetery in Mabhula has all the requisite infrastructure and amenities in place to ensure compliance with municipal standards,” Keta explained.
According to Keta, the town council operates with a master plan and follows the guidelines set by the Department of Physical Planning.
The council’s approach prioritizes sustainable burial infrastructure and spatial efficiency, ensuring that the CBD remains dedicated to business activities while graveyards are located at the periphery of the town.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the issue of cemetery space in Zvishavane is a complex one, requiring careful consideration of urban planning principles, community concerns, and municipal regulations.
