GBARNGA – The Mayor of Gbarnga, Gallah Varpilah, has intensified calls for the immediate relocation of the city’s overcrowded cemetery. Speaking on March 30, 2026, during the Gbarnga City Council First Quarter Sitting, the mayor warned that the situation has reached a critical level, requiring urgent intervention from Bong County authorities.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
Mayor Varpilah explained that the cemetery has run out of space, leaving families with limited and distressing options when burying their loved ones.
He noted that, in many cases, those digging graves are forced to uncover human remains, a situation he described as both disturbing and unacceptable.
According to him, such experiences not only disrupt the sanctity of burial rites but also inflict additional emotional pain on already grieving families.
He further emphasized that the condition of the cemetery presents serious public health concerns. The repeated disturbance of graves and exposure of human remains, he said, could create an unsafe environment and increase the risk of disease.
“This is not just about space; it is about safety, dignity, and respect for both the living and the dead,” Mayor Varpilah stated.
The mayor called on county leaders to urgently identify and designate a new burial site that can accommodate the city’s growing population. He stressed that proper planning and management must accompany any relocation effort to ensure sustainability and prevent a recurrence of the current crisis.
“We must act now to restore order and dignity to our burial practices,” he urged.
Mayor Varpilah also linked the cemetery crisis to broader urban planning challenges facing Gbarnga. He pointed out that rapid population growth has outpaced the development of essential services, including burial facilities, waste management systems, and healthcare infrastructure. He warned that failure to address these gaps could undermine the city’s long-term development.
In his remarks, the mayor called for a collective response, urging residents, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to support efforts aimed at resolving the issue.
He emphasized that community involvement will be key to ensuring that any new cemetery site is respected and properly maintained for future generations.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the situation, Mayor Varpilah described the trauma experienced by families who encounter human remains while attempting to bury loved ones.
He noted that such incidents erode the cultural and spiritual significance of burial practices, which are deeply valued within the community.
“The dignity of the dead must never be compromised,” he declared. “It is our duty as leaders to ensure that every individual is laid to rest in a manner that reflects honor and respect.” He added that the current situation serves as a wake-up call for authorities to take decisive and timely action.
The mayor further warned that overcrowded cemeteries can lead to environmental hazards, potentially affecting nearby communities. He stressed that addressing the issue is not only about preserving tradition but also about safeguarding public health and the environment.
He called for unity among stakeholders, emphasizing that solving the cemetery crisis will require cooperation beyond political lines. “The future of Gbarnga depends on the decisions we make today,” he said. “This is our opportunity to demonstrate responsible leadership and a commitment to sustainable development.”
