PMB crematorium shortage ‘putting extra stress on bereaved families’
There's frustration among residents in Pietermaritzburg over the lack of functioning crematoriums in the city.
Many people are having to turn to facilities in Durban, where the high volume of cremations often leads to long queues.
Ward councillor Suraya Reddy says the Durban facilities are the only option for bereaved families preparing to bid farewell to loved ones.
But the process has proved to be both emotionally and financially draining.
She says both public and private facilities in Pietermaritzburg are undergoing repairs.
"The crematoriums have been non-functional for a very long time. There was a private cremation site at Cato Ridge and that's since been burned down. It's a huge problem in terms of the time and the availability of facilities.
"Families are already stressed and this add more pressure to them. People are dying every day and there's no urgency in restoring this."
The Msunduzi municipality has been approached for official comment.
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