Midvaal extends Kookrus Cemetery as burial space reaches critical levels

Midvaal Local Municipality has completed a more than R7 million extension of the Kookrus Cemetery as its two active cemeteries approach capacity.

The municipality says the Meyerton and Kookrus cemeteries are approximately 90% full, increasing pressure on available burial space for local families.

The Kookrus Cemetery extension is expected to provide enough additional burial capacity for at least the next six years, based on the municipality’s current mortality rate.

The project, which commenced in 2022, included feasibility studies, professional design work and the development of additional cemetery infrastructure.

New facilities include an ablution block, service roads and landscaping, while the municipality also plans to appoint a dedicated caretaker to keep the cemetery clean and maintained.

Midvaal Executive Mayor Ald Peter Teixeira said the investment was part of proactive planning to ensure residents continue to have access to dignified burial facilities.

“As a municipality, we recognise the importance of cemeteries to families and communities when laying their loved ones to rest,” Teixeira said.

“This is why we are proactively investing in ensuring adequate burial space and the ongoing maintenance of these facilities.”

With both existing active cemeteries nearing capacity, the municipality said the Kookrus expansion was necessary to respond to the growing demand for burial space before existing capacity is exhausted.

The extension is also intended to improve conditions at the cemetery through upgraded infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.

The municipality said the project forms part of its longer-term planning to ensure sufficient burial capacity remains available to communities across Midvaal.