Harare officials want to raise cemetery charges by more than 40 percent beginning in January, a move that has angered community members who describe the pricing as disconnected from economic realities. The proposal under public review until December 1 would push adult burial costs at Warren Hills Cemetery from $275 to $400 for city residents, while fees for those living outside the municipality would climb from $300 to $450. Costs for foreign nationals would increase from $395 to $590, and exhumation services would rise from $350 to $525.
Reuben Akili, who directs the Combined Harare Residents Association, argued the budget lacks input from ordinary citizens and appears designed without their participation. He questioned the justification for higher rates given deteriorating conditions at burial grounds, noting Warren Hills lacks proper restroom facilities and receives inadequate upkeep. Akili warned excessive charges could drive families toward unauthorized burials, a pattern that emerged during the 2008 economic crisis.
Madenyika Magwenjere said through a residents' discussion platform that death affects everyone regardless of financial means. He criticized authorities for treating burial services as available only to wealthy families. The changes require approval from the Ministry of Local Government before implementation.
Reuben Akili, who directs the Combined Harare Residents Association, argued the budget lacks input from ordinary citizens and appears designed without their participation. He questioned the justification for higher rates given deteriorating conditions at burial grounds, noting Warren Hills lacks proper restroom facilities and receives inadequate upkeep. Akili warned excessive charges could drive families toward unauthorized burials, a pattern that emerged during the 2008 economic crisis.
Madenyika Magwenjere said through a residents' discussion platform that death affects everyone regardless of financial means. He criticized authorities for treating burial services as available only to wealthy families. The changes require approval from the Ministry of Local Government before implementation.
