This will be achieved by generating its own renewable energy to run all aspects of the business, including that subsidiary's administration office.
"We believe that in this era of tight electricity supply, any move to generate one's own power, to be independent of Eskom, is an important element of sustainability," explains Wikus Lategan from Calgro M3. "It has been estimated that a lack of power has cost this country 10% of GDP and businesses need to take action now to limit the negative impact on their bottom line."
Calgro M3 Memorial Parks focuses on the development of private memorial parks, with the Nasrec Private Memorial Park set to be launched in May 2015. Apart from the park-like environment being created at the memorial site, these parks will enable people to purchase burial sites for themselves and for family members prior to anyone's passing, which state cemeteries are currently unable to offer. Calgro M3 is working on various finance options to make this affordable to a wide spectrum of the community.
Located just off the Nasrec off-ramp on the western bypass, the first in a suite of parks will initially be able to accommodate 25,000 grave sites, with future expansion of a further 14,500 sites available.
A memorial wall lies at the heart of the park, allowing for memorial plaques to be erected in memory of those who are not able to be buried at the park. On-site chapels of various capacities complete the facilities while Calgro M3 Memorial Parks will ensure ongoing maintenance and professional management of the facilities in perpetuity. This will be facilitated by the establishment of an independently managed trust fund, that Calgro M3 will capitilise from revenue, over the sales period of each memorial park.
"Our intention is to show respect for those resting here," notes Lategan. "The parks will be well appointed and well maintained while security will form an important aspect of them, with access control, roaming guards 24/7, high-tech security beams and CCTV surveillance. Our investment to date tops R75m, indicating our level of commitment to achieving a gracious and serene environment for lasting peace."
