ASSESSMENT OF CEMETERY FACILITIES IN AKURE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cemetery facilities within cities are often omitted in the land use classification, despite their multipurpose values. Given the relatively small areas of cemetery in many cities, it is important to appropriately evaluate these facilities to ensure that the residents can access them and enjoy the many benefits they offer. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate that cemetery facilities hold symbolic and historical meaning for the surrounding living community as well as urban infrastructure that provide indispensable services of eternal home to the dead. This research focused on the assessment of the existing cemetery facilities in Akure in their respective locations with maximum reference to those factors that influenced and determined their locations as well as review of literature on cemetery facilities. Survey research design was employed in the research work. Data for the study were gathered through primary and secondary sources: the cemeteries within their respective locations were physically visited; data on the establishment and operations of existing cemeteries were obtained directly from relevant Ministries and cemetery owners; other data came from literature, publications and the archives. A total of 400 household heads in the study area were chosen as representative size of the population. Open and close ended wellstructured questionnaire and interview guide were used in obtaining primary data from these sources. Simple random sampling technique was conducted to administer the questionnaire, with residential buildings serving as sampling units. The findings confirmed that majority of the existing cemeteries in the study area were owned by religious organizations; the only public cemetery was neglected and overgrown with bushes; a strong indication of public perception about poor cemetery management and challenged by a dearth of skilled staff; poor orientation and lack of public awareness of burial laws. The recommendations are for Governments and stakeholders to overhaul these facilities and create a sustainable regulatory structure and policy to prepare a Master Plan and Action plan that will create appropriate and adequate location that is environmentally friendly, physically attractive and visually accessible for cemetery development. A vigorous and consistent publicity that will create unprecedented awareness on the use of cemetery is also recommended in order to change the mind set of Akure people towards the contemporary benefits attributed to the use of cemetery facilities.