ILLEGAL occupants within and around the Kola’a Ridge Cemetery in Central Honiara have been advised to voluntarily move out.

The advisory was issued by Honiara City Council (HCC) City Clerk today.

The Notice of Demolition Exercise said, a few unauthorised individuals are currently residing in and erecting illegal semi-permanent structures within the cemetery grounds.

The notice added, these individuals are also engaging in unlicensed carwash operations.

“They are also using the cemetery as a place of business, residences, gambling activities and even place to conveniently relieve themselves.”

The HCC notice warned, such activities are a breach of the HCC ordinance.

“Such illegal activities is also disrespectful to those who were laid to rest at the cemetery.”

Its important to respect them, the notice added.

The advisory said, HCC is not tolerating any activities that undermine its dignity.

Illegal occupants have been advised to demolish and remove any of their structures within and around the cemetery in the coming days or consequences.

The HCC administration is offering a grace period of a week for them to move out.

Failure to comply means, HCC will enforce its powers under Section 13(1) of the Building Ordinance by next Tuesday 18 February 2025, the notice said.

The increasing number of car wash operations, gambling and illegal settlements around the area has always been a concern for Honiara city residents.

Photo caption: Individuals occupying the marked area have been urged to move out.