Councillors in Bulawayo City, Zimbabwe, are reportedly attempting to pass legislation requiring married couples to be buried in the same grave.
According to Zimlive, lawmakers began pushing for the law after two major cemeteries in the country’s second-largest city, West Park and Hyde Park, became overcrowded.
The councillors also propose that residents consider cremating their deceased relatives.
Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo, who noted that the high mortality rate has increased demand for burial space, stated; “A single grave should have more than one burial. For effective cremation, private players should be involved.”
West Park Cemetery in Bulawayo was closed in 2016 due to a lack of burial space, but it was later reopened by the local authority with a focus on reserved land.
The cemetery was closed for the second time in 2019 due to a lack of burial space.
Councillor Sinikiwe Mutanda, another lawmaker, revealed that the city has already approved double burials, but not on a mandatory basis.
Mutanda stated, “On an ordinary grave, double intermation was allowed after a period of 10 years and above.”
