The City of Johannesburg on Thursday urged residents to consider alternative burial options due to the lack of space in the future.
The MMC for Community Development Nonhlanhla Sifumba said there are various alternative options available to people, especially for families with existing burial locations.
They include reduction burials, which involve using a smaller coffin for remains in order for more room to be created.
Most people still opt for a private grave, which is now unsustainable within cities such as Johannesburg, which had one of the highest amount of burials in Gauteng due to migration patterns.
All major cities will have to find new way's of burying in order to 'provide' for future generations.
Sifumba said another option, which is ideal for couples and families, are second burials in the same grave.
According to by-laws in Johannesburg, up to three family members may use the same grave.
The City said this was more affordable, environmentally friendly and will allow loved ones to visit all deceased family members at once.
Religious leaders and funeral directors are urged to continuously engage bereaved families about alternatives to enable them to provide dignified burial options for loved ones.
- African News Agency (ANA)
