The oThongathi Crematorium has resumed full operations following months of service disruptions caused by repeated equipment failures that left grieving families facing delays and added pressure on alternative facilities.
Speaking at the recommissioning of the facility, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba apologised for the lengthy delays in restoring services.
"I wish to apologise that it has taken us two years to get to where we are," Xaba said.
More than R6 million was spent to replace malfunctioning furnaces at the crematorium. According to the mayor, the repair process was prolonged by the need to source specialised components from overseas.
"It had to be like that, considering the fact that the parts still come from overseas and there's a long wait associated with that process," he said.
The crematorium has been plagued by breakdowns since 2018, resulting in service backlogs and frustration among residents in and around oThongathi. Many families were forced to make alternative arrangements during an already difficult period of mourning.
Xaba confirmed that full cremation services have now been restored and said the upgraded infrastructure is expected to ease pressure on other municipal facilities while improving access for surrounding communities.
The city is also working to bring other crematoriums back online.
"Very soon we will be recommissioning one in Mobeni. Another one that is out of operation due to a problem that is receiving attention from the city," Xaba said.
The reopening of the oThongathi Crematorium is expected to provide much-needed relief to residents who have endured years of interruptions and uncertainty surrounding the service.