FOREIGN Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has condemned the actions of people building houses over the public cemetery in his electorate in Joyce Bay where the public cemetery is.
According to Minister Tkatchenko, the relatives of the dead buried in the cemetery had raised concerns about these illegal activities.
He said: “What they are doing is wrong and an absolute disgrace. People have no respect at all for the public burial ground. How would you like to see houses being built over the grave yard of your loved ones and the cemetery being destroyed, this is totally uncalled for,” he said.
Minister Tkatchenko called on the local landowners to stop selling such public land to outsiders.
He said these were illegal activities and must be stopped immediately. Minister Tkatchenko confirmed that an eviction exercise will be carried out on Joyce Bay cemetery section covering the areas known as Section 59, 60, and 61 Matirogo (Joyce Bay).
“The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) had given eviction notice to all the illegal settlers to demolish their buildings.”
“The NCDC Regulatory Division had been directed to move in swiftly to remove those illegal settlers.”
“This should serve as a warning and reminder that such activities are against the normal ethics and moral standards of any community.”
“Whoever disrespects the dead will be cursed for the rest of their lives. The cemetery is a public place, it’s not a residential area to build houses on.”
Meanwhile, in another case in Vabukori village, outsiders have been reported taking their dead to burry in the cemetery without the knowledge and approval of the village leaders and authorities in the community.
Minister Tkatchenko said this was a total disgrace and cannot be tolerated.
“People need to respect themselves and others too and particularly the dead.We cannot allow such illegal activities happening on the public cemetery. I am urging these people to stop. The city authorities have been notified and they will be taking action immediately.”
“I warn anyone involved in such illegal and unbecoming activities to stop,” he said.
Minister Tkatchenko said the eviction exercise will continue this week
