Noro and Gizo lack graveyards. Concerns for future as both towns see surge in growth
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
Gizo and Noro towns, the economic hubs of the Western province, lack cemeteries. And, this could pose a huge problem in the future as both urban centres see a continued upward trend in population.
The Clerk of Gizo Town Council raised this as a serious concern, saying the lack of proper public cemeteries in Gizo and Noro could lead to future complications and disrespect to the dead.
In an interview with Island Sun, Charles Kelly said both towns do not have a properly established public cemetery to bury the deceased.
He said the existing cemetery at Mile 2 in Gizo cannot be classified as a public cemetery because the land is privately held under the title of the Commissioner of Lands.
“That is not a public cemetery. The land belongs to the Lands Commissioner. Soon there will be houses built on top of the graves. This is something I do not want to see happen,” Kelly said.
He said there is no proper registration system or maintenance plan in place for the existing burial site, creating long-term risks for land use conflicts and the dignity of those buried there.
Kelly said Gizo Town Council is now working closely with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Western Provincial Government to establish a proper public cemetery at Gizo and Noro.
He said two potential locations have been identified at Mile 3 and Mile 6.
However, Kelly said the final decision will depend on technical studies and assessments to be carried out by ADB before any development proceeds.
According to the Kelly, the establishment of a public cemetery will allow the council to properly register burial plots, manage the facility, and ensure ongoing maintenance.
“Having a public cemetery will enable proper registration and management, as the council will be responsible for looking after the facility,” he said.
Kelly said a properly planned cemetery is essential for orderly urban development and to ensure respect for the deceased and their families in the growing towns of Gizo and Noro.
Photo: Supplied
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