Windhoek secures 21.5 hectares for new cemetery
The City of Windhoek has announced its decision to secure 21.5 hectares of land 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 City 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 land was informed by “long-term spatial planning data, historical burial trends, population growth projections, and 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 said.
Decade of demand
The current development phase will provide approximately 10 200 graves. Based on the City’s average burial rate of about 960 a year, the cemetery is expected to meet demand for between 10 and 11 years under normal conditions. Amutenya noted that this estimate excludes second interments, permitted under municipal policy and health regulations, which could extend the practical lifespan of the facility.
Existing municipal cemeteries are already under pressure. According to the City, they are “approaching capacity, with limited availability of new burial space remaining”.
Most facilities are increasingly reliant on second interments 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 1 to 3 currently under way and Phases 4 to 7 set to follow.
Bids submitted
The contract was awarded to Dema Construction cc through an open national bidding process in line with public procurement legislation. Amutenya said three companies submitted bids. “The contract was awarded to Dema Construction cc following a competitive evaluation process based on compliance, technical capacity and value-for-money criteria,” she said.
On site, contractors have begun constructing 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.
Environmental compliance has also been addressed. 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. “The EMP includes specific measures to safeguard groundwater resources, regulate excavation and burial practices, manage waste and prevent environmental contamination,” she said.
Trees protected
Protected tree species within the site were identified during the assessment process. The contractor has applied for the necessary permits to ensure the protection and conservation of the area 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 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.
With burial space tightening across existing facilities, the City maintains that the Rocky Crest cemetery is a forward-looking intervention aimed at preserving dignity in death for Windhoek’s growing population.
