The critical situation at the municipal cemetery of El Pedrazo, which opened in 1958 and is located near the San Roque Meloneras Hospital, was disclosed during a municipal plenary session. Access to the southern part of the cemetery has been restricted for both visitors and workers due to the damage.
Structural issues, attributed to storms Claudia and Therese, impact a significant section of niches, with estimates suggesting over 1,000, and potentially up to 1,200, graves are compromised. The most affected area is the section resting on the south wall, as well as the rows attached to the main facade, where a subsidence of several centimeters has been observed in the first row.
“"We have detected that the first row, the one on the ground, has sunk a couple of centimeters."
Given the sensitive nature of the situation, the local government has acted swiftly. In an extraordinary plenary session, 1.2 million euros were approved from a total allocation of 60.9 million euros to resolve this incident. Of this amount, 700,000 euros will be invested directly in El Pedrazo, and the remaining 500,000 euros will be allocated to the Lomo de Maspalomas cemetery.
The strategy involves constructing new niches in Lomo de Maspalomas to rehouse the occupants of the damaged graves in El Pedrazo, as the current structures cannot be reinforced and will require complete reconstruction. The metallic reinforcement of the niche walls is severely compromised, preventing simple reinforcement.
Affected families who own the damaged niches will be summoned to be informed of the situation and explore possible alternatives. Although specific details were not provided, it is anticipated that the most likely solution will involve the exhumation of remains. Owners of adjacent plots will also be warned about the risk of using heavy machinery that could generate vibrations and further damage the cemetery's structure. Families will have the option to transfer remains to Lomo de Maspalomas or await the repair of El Pedrazo for their return.
