After nearly two years of closure, the Rebecca Street Crematorium in Pretoria West is set to resume operations on December 2, bringing much-needed relief to bereaved families in need of cremation services.
The crematorium has undergone significant refurbishments and upgrades to enhance operational efficiency and comply with environmental regulations.
Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who announced the facility’s reopening during a public meeting, said it has secured a five-year licence paving the way for the resumption of cremation service.
In the past the municipality was inundated with complaints from residents and undertakers that the facility was dysfunctional, leading to a project to refurbish it.
Many bereaved families and undertakers had to travel long distances to access cremation services outside the municipality, incurring unnecessary transport costs.
Moya said the facility has been closed for approximately 18 months and that “during that time families faced considerable financial strain and inconvenience as they were forced to travel to alternative facilities outside the city”.
The crematorium was last active in June 2023 and its initial project target to refurbish the facility date for completion was set for the end of 2023, but the City was unable to meet the deadline.
Moya said she was pleased that work to refurbish the venue was completed before the December 2024 deadline.
“The crematorium has since undergone significant refurbishment and upgrades aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These improvements reflect the City of Tshwane's commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable public services,” she said.
According to her, the mayoral executive is committed to providing responsive service delivery that brings dignity and respect to communities.
She further expressed gratitude to members of the Rebecca Street Crematorium committee, consisting of 15 organisations for working hand in hand with the municipality for the past year to ensure that the project is completed.
She hailed the work done by the two parties, saying it signifies the power of private and public partnerships,” she said.
Moya said the leaders of the community came to the city “when they realised the City was failing them and decided that they are not only going to blame us but they are also going to work with us”.
One of the community leaders, Dr Murthi Sooboo said: “We are truly grateful for what has transpired today and very importantly from a humanitarian point of view and the City constitutionally is now living the dream.”
He attributed the success of the project to the power of collaboration, persistence and holding the municipality accountable.
“We look forward to the continued service improvements and the positive impact these developments will bring to all those who rely on cremation services in our area,” he said.
Pretoria News
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