Legislators have given the government three months to sensitise the public on the law governing public cemeteries and six months to ensure that every district sets up enough public cemeteries not too far from human settlements.

Two years ago, the law determining the organisation and use of cemeteries in the country was enacted but it remains a thing only in the files. Its implementation is as obscure as its existence to the people.

As a result, people continue to bury their loved ones on private property, yet the law requires burials to be in a public cemetery. Similarly, burials are conducted without authorisation at the grassroots level.

Times have changed. The days when land was abundant is fast receding into the back of our memories. As Rwandans, we must come to terms with the reality that while human population will always increase, land is a constant factor – only its economic value will increase.

Public cemeteries save a lot of such limited space by making the most of the little land available for burial.

Besides, it also allows for our loved ones to be registered in a designated book at the public cemetery.

In today’s world, it is important to note that the loved ones interred on private property could be exhumed by any new property owner. Also, one’s neighbours may not easily warm up to the sight of seeing a grave in the vicinity at all times. And, at the worst, the value of the property may reduce due to the presence of a grave. Many buyers may not even consider the purchase at all.

Responsible authorities should wake up and start sensitising the public on not just this law but also on why it makes a lot of sense to avoid burial on private property.