RESIDENTS of Harare and its dormitory town, Chitungwiza, will be benefiting from a new cemetery to bury their loved ones when the facility is opened in the second quarter of the year.
The Watervlei Memorial Burial Park will feature a state-of-the-art cemetery featuring mausoleums, cremation and embalming facilities, along with a dedicated War Veterans Memorial Garden.
The park, to be opened in July this year, is located 11km from Harare City Centre along Seke Road.
In a statement yesterday, Watervlei Memorial Park said the 77-hectare piece of land has 55 hectares allocated for graves, with an initial capacity of 35 000 burial spaces earmarked for the first phase of the project.
“The project is funded through life assurance and pension funds. The site design adheres to strict environmental guidelines established by the Environmental Management Agency, which mandated a 200-meter buffer zone from nearby streams and dams to minimise groundwater pollution,” the statement said.
“Additionally, graves will feature brick and concrete linings to enhance structural integrity and reduce environmental contamination.
“A reserved section for war veterans is part of the initiative to honour their contributions to the liberation struggle.”
Previously, there was rampant sand poaching in the area, which led to significant land degradation and disrupted the flow of a nearby stream and the new development is expected to eliminate these issues.
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“Extensive percolation tests have been conducted to ensure groundwater safety and servitudes for critical infrastructure, including the Prince Edward pipeline, have been preserved.
“The project will create employment opportunities for tombstone sculptors, granite polishers and other artisans. The design also incorporates health and environmental considerations, reflecting modern burial practices,” the statement said.
According to Watervlei Memorial Burial Park, the cemetery is inspired by the iconic National Heroes Acre and aims to address land use efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“Unlike traditional graves, the multi-layered grave construction and mausoleum designs will minimise soil seepage and maximise vertical space utilisation,” the statement read.
“A columbarium for cremation services and facilities for embalming will also be provided. Mausoleums offer a lower environmental impact compared to traditional burials, as they do not disturb the ground or produce emissions associated with cremation.
“Additionally, they optimise space by storing caskets vertically, requiring less land. Access to the burial park will be facilitated by the construction of a new roundabout on Seke Road.”
The Watervlei Memorial Burial Park also committed to funding the roundabout’s construction to ensure safe and convenient access for users.
Key stakeholders involved in the project include Amasonic Contractors (Pvt) Ltd, ALROTZA Consultants PBC and Stone Beatie Munodawafa Studios, who will oversee construction of roads, parking, and other infrastructure.
