The mortuary has also been plagued with numerous strikes and disputes regarding overtime pay.
Government is considering relocating the controversial Gale Street Mortuary in Durban to Phoenix, north of the city, in an effort to address delays in releasing bodies.According to the Chairperson of the oversight committee in the provincial legislature, Nomakiki Majola, they are currently holding consultations with unions, and members of the public on the issue after which government will take the final decision.
“The issue of saying let us pay for overtime – what is the reason for the overtime? That is where the department is coming looking at the situation of the Phoenix mortuary, which is accommodating 500 bodies. And as we are here, looking at the conditions, the status of infrastructure here, it does really necessitate, I would say, the use of Phoenix. But it cannot be done right now. There are processes that we must go through, starting with labour.