C
emeteries pose geotechnical and
environmental risks that often infringe
upon social and cultural rights to burial,
land and basic services such as potable
water. Some examples of the risks posed are
shown, emphasising the need to investigate
and prioritise suitable land for development as
cemetery sites throughout South Africa.
Interment by means of burial
contributor
Figure 1: Aspects governing the siting of cemeteries.
Interment of a deceased forms an important
part of Man’s cultural rights and has evolved
significantly throughout history. In South Africa,
interment by means of burial is still preferred,
impacting on the important relationship
between environmental/ sanitary, geotechnical/
engineering, and social aspects (Fig. 1).
Water Sewage & Effluent November/December 2017
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