Nhlanhla Mabaso 3 March 2025 | 15:10

Durban officials plan to improve drainage systems at cemeteries to prevent graves being washed away

This comes after a number of graves at the Wentworth Cemetery south of Durban were washed away by the recent floods.

Durban officials plan to improve drainage systems at cemeteries to prevent graves being washed away

Graves at the Wentworth Cemetery in Durban suffered damage following flooding in the area on 2 March 2025. Picture: Nhlanhla Mabaso/EWN

DURBAN - Improved drainage systems have been highlighted as a key component to preventing the destruction of graves amid severe weather conditions in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

This comes after a number of graves at the Wentworth Cemetery south of Durban were washed away by the recent floods.  

READ: Families demand that their loved ones' remains be removed from Durban graveyard after flood damage

Manager for cemeteries in the city, Tim Arbuckle, said that after meeting affected families on Monday, a lasting solution to the problem is a top priority.

"What we intend to do is to relocate the damaged graves and that includes the tombstones to prevent this from happening again. The long-term plan would be to install improved drainage to prevent any further washaways."