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From Munyaradzi Doma in Zvishavane
Residents here are angry with the failure by the town council to maintain Mandava Cemetery that is now in a sorry state.

In its latest report, council claims it has spruced up the cemetery, but the situation on the ground points to neglect. “We have been having serious problems with our local authority,” said Zvishavane Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary-general Mr John Mugabe.

“In their reports they say that the cemetery security fence is complete, but I can show you around and see for yourself if it is complete. “They allege that the contractor did a wonderful job on this cemetery and that work was completed, but this is all a lie.”

The cemetery has since been turned into a dumpsite by some residents because of easy access as it does not have a perimeter wall.

Mr Mugabe said council should act swiftly as the cemetery was in a residential area. Zvishavane town secretary Mr Tinoda Mukutu confirmed the sorry state of the cemetery.

“We put in a security wall, but I think their concern is to do with the maintenance,” he said. “We agreed as council that there are some people, who will be hired for the cleaning and sprucing up of the cemetery.

“It is unfortunate that I am in Harare, but I think the cleaning should have been done, because we resolved as council that there is a need for Mandava Cemetery to be cleaned.”

Mr Mukutu explained why construction of the security wall was not completed. “Where it is not complete, you know according to our traditional customs, children are buried where the ground is somewhat wet,” he said.

“Where there are no walls it is because there are kids’ graves.”