Public cemetery management faces security and space challenges

Public cemetery management faces challenges regarding security, administrative corruption, and space availability in different regions.

In the Dominican Republic, public cemeteries are criticized for poor maintenance, lack of security, and alleged corruption. Reports suggest that municipal administrations struggle with crime within these grounds and that a lack of proper paperwork leads to the unauthorized resale of graves. The rise of expensive private burial centers is also noted as a factor in the declining state of public facilities.

In Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico, local authorities have addressed concerns regarding a shortage of burial spaces. Edwin Hernández Mayo, director of Basic Services, stated that there is currently no deficit of ossuaries, but acknowledged that approximately 30% to 40% of existing crypts are occupied by remains that have not been exhumed for 6 to 20 years. To prevent future shortages caused by daily demand, the municipality plans to begin constructing additional ossuaries as a preventive measure.