Planning for future graveyards in urban areas: a case study of Bloemfontein
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Date
2004
Authors
Tshabalala, Rapelang
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This research is premised on the fact that no sector of the society is immune from death. According to Kubler-Rose (1975: x), death is not an enemy to be conquered or a prison to be escaped. It is an integral part of our lives that gives meaning to human existence. It sets a limit on our time in this life, urging us on to do something productive with that time as long as it is ours to use.
Death is in us and outside us, beside us in every room, in every street, in every field, in every car, in every plane, etc. It is what we are (Shneidman. 1984:118). Death is a principal vital event and is the disappearance of all evidence of life at any time after a live birth has taken place (Stats SA, 2002:24). In my own view, death is inevitable since it has to happen. That is, it is the final stage of growth for every human being. As a result, there is a need to plan for future burial space in Bloemfontein taking into consideration the increasing population sizes due to urbanisation, mortality rates due to HIV/AIDS, existing burial methods and existing cemetery capacity.
According to Mitchell, (23 November 2000:8), the graveyards, hospitals and mortuaries are overflowing with corpses most of which are AIDS victims. Both cremation and multiple burials will have to be highly considered in the future. The question is hqw to share the available land between the dead and the living population? Contrary to needs of dead people, the above options look more reasonable and conducive.
Description
Dissertation (M.U.R.P.(Urban and Regional Planning))--University of the Free State, 2004