BULAWAYO residents have rejected the city council’s proposed US$625 grave fee, sparking widespread outrage and demand for reconsideration, as they deem the fee unaffordable to the average citizen.
Residents are against the fee that was proposed by council at a ward 28 budget consultative meeting at Mahlathini Primary School on Sunday.
Presenting the 2025 budget, council engineer Kwanele Sibanda said the budget support proposal was that it would cost US$625 per grave to operate council cemeteries.
One resident, who identified himself as Mr Ngwenya, said it was senseless for council to suggest a ridiculous fee for a grave.
“It is totally senseless for council to even propose such a ridiculous amount when we are just paying less than US$100 for a grave now. Where do they expect us to get it? That means we won’t bury our relatives. They should just reconsider it,” Ngwenya said.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association ward 28 chairperson Micheal Ndlovu said council was not fair in proposing the US$625.
“As the residents’ representative, I think the city council has to go back and discuss further because average citizens cannot afford the US$625,” Ndlovu indicated.
“They should reduce the proposed fee so that residents can afford it.”
Ward 28 councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu said he understood the concerns raised by residents regarding the proposed increase in grave fees.
“Historically, council has been heavily subsidising these fees, which means the charges residents have been paying were below the actual cost of grave services. The proposed increase is aimed at cost recovery, ensuring that council services remain sustainable,” he said.
“However, we recognise that such an increase feels steep and this is why we are holding budget consultations with residents.
“These consultations are crucial, as they allow us to gather feedback and opinions from the community, ensuring that the final decision will be reflective of their views and input.”
