The City of Cape Town (COCT) has dismissed reports suggesting it cannot cope with the increased demand for cremations, which is far from the truth. This comes after reports suggested that the Maitland Crematorium is currently experiencing a backlog due to an increase in both natural death and COVID-19 related deaths.
According to the city’s MMC for Community Services & Health Zahid Badroodien, the COCT welcomes the increased demand to make use of the cremator facility as they have also adjusted the operating times accordingly to cope with the pressures.
Badroodien says the COCT also make use of partnership arrangements at private facilities to assist when the demand is greater than anticipated as they invested in the refurbishments of the cremator ovens to withstand the increased pressures as well as to remain operational for a number more years.
” So, no, the delays are not attributed to the city but rather delays in the processing of paperwork, delays in payments and delays in collections. Now you know,” Badroodien reiterated.
However, the owner of Monray Royal Funerals, Monray Adams, indicated to IOL, that there is a huge backlog and a waiting period at the Crematorium. Adams added that it is unacceptable to wait up to a month for the ashes due to the increase of bodies.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape reported 34 042 active COVID-19 infections, 493 404 confirmed cases and 441 032 recoveries as of Tuesday, August 31.
1/2 ?Update on the coronavirus and vaccines
As at 1pm on 31 August 2021, the Western Cape had 34 042 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number 493 404 COVID-19 cases to date and 441 032 recoveries.
Full statement: https://t.co/CtDd8JJuPz pic.twitter.com/xAWEcjegjn
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) August 31, 2021
read also:
Super grandma combats COVID-19 twice and reflects on 99 years of her life
Picture: Pexels