Rapid assessment of cemeteries in a Nigerian state during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The study assessed the physical state and functionality of cemeteries in Edo state in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cross-sectional survey included the completion of a structured questionnaire by Local government chairmen in the 18 local government areas. Elements assessed included ownership, infrastructure, personnel, revenue generation and facilities. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and presented as descriptive data. All 18 local government councils completed the questionnaire. Fourteen (77.8%) local government areas (LGA) had at least one cemetery with ownership as the local government council owned in 7 LGAs. Majority of the cemeteries lacked perimeter fence, entrance gate, internal roads, and were overgrown with bushes. Work tools and personnel were non-existent in 12 LGAs. Cemeteries in 13 LGAs had space for new graves, while 5 LGAs acknowledged there was no land for creating new cemeteries. Home burial was practised in all LGAs. The public cemeteries in Edo state are in a state of disrepair, a situation that in the current COVID-19 pandemic, encourages home burials of COVID-19 corpses with its antecedent risk to public health. Responsible government authorities should explore possibilities of engaging private establishments to complement their efforts in cemetery maintenance for more sustainable solutions.