The second cremator of the City of Cape Town-owned Maitland Crematorium, which has been out of service since 24 April 2023 for maintenance, is back in operation this week.
This comes after the cremator received the necessary authorisation from the Air Quality Control authorities and passed the required stack tests, which measure air quality emissions.
City confirmed that its crematorium is now fully operational and has been granted permission to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist in this period of high demand.
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‘Losing a loved one is a stressful time, especially planning to lay them to rest. We are aware of the backlogs and have worked hard to ensure the second cremator came online again as soon as possible,’ said mayoral committee member for community service and health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Ross added that the City plans to expand its cremator capacity in the future, which will be communicated once the details are finalised.
With both of City’s cremators fully functional, the cremation capacity has returned to normal. However, there is still work to be done to catch up.
It is anticipated that the increase in cremations on a daily basis will ease the backlog that had started to build up while also alleviating pressure on the overall system.
To help with the current shortage of burial sites, the City encourages residents to consider the following burial options:
- Reopening of family graves, wherever possible, to accommodate a second or third burial.
- Mausoleum (an above-ground building where coffins are enclosed) burials can be reserved with the City.
- Cremations, where cultural and religious beliefs do not prohibit this.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook