Each Antwerp district has its own cemetery. “Antwerp residents can choose which Antwerp cemetery they want to be delivered to free of charge, regardless of the district in which they live.” Alderman Van Doesburg, responsible for cemeteries, sees no problem with the current situation.
But according to Christel Van de Velde, manager of Lieve Hemel funeral home on the Linkeroever, this does cause inconveniences because there is no cemetery nearby.
“Historically, the Schoonselhof is part of the center of Antwerp. That is the most beautiful cemetery in Flanders with a wide range of delivery options,” Van Doesburg emphasizes.
The Schoonselhof has many burial options: urn field, columbarium, classical grave. — © Walter Saenen
According to Christel, the beauty of the Schoonselhof is not something residents of Linkeroever clash with. “The Schoonselhof is beautiful. But there are also older people living on the Left Bank, who do not always have mobility problems. They have to travel a serious distance to visit the resting place of their loved ones.”
Cost
Many residents have therefore been choosing cemeteries in the surrounding municipalities for years. For example, the one in Zwijndrecht is only six kilometers away. But that’s a pricey decision.
“If you are not a resident, you pay a tax of 150 euros to be distributed. A grave in all its forms: urn field, columbarium, classic grave, costs 1060 euros for ten years for non-residents. It is also unclear whether the tax will increase if Zwijndrecht soon becomes part of East Flanders. Zwijndrecht and surrounding municipalities should not have to pay for the city’s choice.”
Follow-up
“There is currently no shortage of space in our cemeteries, so there are no plans for a new one,” says van Doesburg.
Christel is convinced that she is not the only one who is dissatisfied about this. “I’m not resigned to it, there are still steps I’m going to take.” For example, she has an appointment with Alderman for Religious Services, Tatjana Scheck, at the end of May.
The Schoonselhof has been voted the most beautiful cemetery in Flanders. — © Jan Van der Perre
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