Windhoek secures 21.5 hectares for new Rocky Crest cemetery

The City of Windhoek has defended its decision to secure 21.5 hectares of land in Rocky Crest for a new cemetery, citing long-term spatial planning data, rising burial trends and population growth projections.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms, supplemented by responses from spokesperson Lydia Amutenya, the municipality said the development forms part of its strategic planning to ensure sustainable burial provision for the capital.

Amutenya said the size of the plot was informed by, among other things, future demand modelling conducted as part of the City’s strategic planning processes.

“These projections take into account average annual burial rates, demographic growth and land-use planning requirements to ensure sustainable provision of burial space,” she noted.

The current development phase will provide around 10 200 graves.

With an average of about 960 burials per year, the cemetery is expected to meet demand for 10 to 11 years under normal conditions.

Amutenya added that this estimate does not include second internments, which are permitted under municipal policy and health regulations and could extend the practical lifespan of the facility.

Space running out

Existing municipal cemeteries are already under pressure, she said, and are “approaching capacity, with limited availability of new burial space remaining”.

Most facilities are increasingly reliant on second internments in family graves.

“Based on current burial trends and utilisation patterns, existing cemeteries are projected to reach functional capacity in the near to medium term,” Amutenya said, adding that this was a key reason the municipality prioritised the Rocky Crest development to ensure continuity of service and dignified burial provision.

The N$12.5 million project commenced in September 2025 and is scheduled for completion by February 2027. It is being implemented in phases, with phases one to three currently underway and phases four to seven next.

The contract was awarded to Dema Construction CC through a national bidding process in line with public procurement legislation.

Process in line with rules

On-site, contractors have begun building access roads and excavating trenches for water pipelines. All internal roads will be paved with interlocking bricks. A chapel will also be constructed to support funeral services.

Amutenya confirmed that a full environmental impact assessment was conducted for the Rocky Crest site, after which the project received an environmental clearance certificate supported by a comprehensive environmental management plan.

Protected tree species within the site were identified during the assessment process.

The contractor has applied for the necessary permits to ensure their protection and conservation in accordance with environmental legislation, while areas outside the construction footprint will remain undisturbed.

The project is overseen by the City’s engineer for project management, Joseph Cupido, and the section head for facility development, Ketjizeere Corna, together with consulting engineer Willie Knouwds from Lithon Project Consultants. Progress meetings are held every two weeks to monitor timelines, quality, and environmental compliance.