Durban cemeteries manager promises swift response to plight of damaged graves

DURBAN - Tim Arbuckle, the manager for cemeteries in Durban, has vowed the city will respond swiftly to the issue of the damaged graves.  

Several graves in the cemetery situated in the south of Surban have once again been destroyed by floods.  

Families said since the 2022 floods, they have had to deal with a similar ordeal - having to rebury their loved ones again.

READ: Durban families whose loved ones' graves were damaged by floods plead for help with reburying them 

While Arbuckle has apologised to the affected families, he has also promised to ensure that the matter is addressed.  

“We will try and get it done urgently and if it does mean requesting emergency relief from a supply chain management’s point of view to appoint undertakes to undertake some of this work for us.” 

Arbuckle said in the meantime, the city will put interim measures and tend to the affected graves. 

“In the interim, what we will do is to cover any exposed coffins and graves out of respect to the deceased and in compliance with the health legislation.” 

However, he could not give timelines as to when the issue will be put to bed.