LOCAL Government minister Ignatius Chombo told Parliament last week that dead people were also now feeling the pinch of the country’s economic meltdown as evidenced by the decay at most of the country’s graveyards.
SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER
Chombo made the remarks during the question and answer session in Parliament last Wednesday after Sabina Mangwende (Zanu PF) had asked him to explain why most graveyards in urban centres were in a dilapidated state despite the high grave fees charged by local authorities.
Cemetery fees range from $100 at council and $1 000 at private graveyards.
Some council graveyards were now covered with long grass while some have turned into havens for criminal activities.
“Given the current economic situation where councils are struggling to deliver services, the upkeep of cemeteries is not an exception,” Chombo said.
“However, the ministry in its quest to promote effective service delivery has continued to engage local authorities towards ensuring that all relevant amenities are given immediate attention.”
Chombo told the House that the procedure was that local authorities were expected to consult relevant stakeholders in order to determine service fees before the annual budget was forwarded to his ministry for approval.
