Zambia: Solwezi Municipal Council has purchased a hearse at a cost of K617,000. The funds for the purchase came from the locals of the community. The aim of this initiative is to offer funeral services to the community at a subsidized rate.
The Mayor of Solwezi Remmy Kalepa said the local authority saw the benefit of getting a hearse and provide affordable services to the public. Previously, the people were forced to hire such services from outside the district.
Kalepa believes that the hearse will reduce the financial burden on the bereaved families due to their affordable rates.
“In times of sorrow, this vehicle will serve as a symbol of support and empathy. I am hopeful that it will provide comfort and solace to those in need.” he said.
Remmy Kalepa spoke at the handover of the hearse to the community in Solwezi on November 25, 2023. He said, local authority will continue providing services that will meet the needs of the community.
“I am optimistic that this hearse will serve as a solemn symbol during funeral proceedings in the district, offering space for grieving families and friends to accompany their loved ones on their final journey,” said Kalepa.
Earlier, Acting Solwezi District Commissioner, Anthony Fulwe said the hearse has come at a time when demand and rates for funeral services have gone high.
Fulwe said the subsidised rate for hiring out the hearse will relieve many families that cannot afford funeral services from private service providers.
“As central government, we are happy that you as a municipality thought of our people who are unable to afford these services which are going higher every day,” he said.
Rev Fulwe urged the public not to politicize the hiring of the vehicle as it is meant to service the population across political lines.
“We will make sure that there is no politics around, there is no politics in death. Whoever dies has a bereavement can come and make use of this vehicle,” he said.
North-western province development council of elders’ secretary, Kenneth Kapata commended the local authority for subsidizing the cost of hiring funeral services.
Kapata appealed to the public who will be hiring the hearse to cooperate with the municipality and exercise patience as the demand is expected to be high.
“As we use this hearse, let us bear in mind that it will be on a first come, first serve basis and so we need to be patient in order to avoid confrontations,” he said.
The combo comes with a vehicle, tent and a lowering machine.