Burial Fee Increase in Addis Ababa Draws Public Debate as Council Cites Service Reforms

Mintesinot Niggusie

The Addis Ababa City Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has defended its decision to raise burial service fees, saying the adjustment is intended to reduce household pressure by incorporating costs that were previously paid separately.

The revised structure increases burial fees by 2,000 birr, raising the charge for children’s burials from 1,000 birr to 2,000 birr and for adult burials from 2,000 birr to 4,000 birr.

The council said the new 4,000 birr payment covers the full burial service, including burial blocks that were not previously part of the standard fee. It explained that families had typically spent between 1,200 and 1,800 birr separately to purchase burial blocks, and the revised system is designed to eliminate that additional cost.

According to the council, a single burial requires at least 28 blocks, and under the updated arrangement, provision of these materials will now be handled directly by the institution.

Public concern has emerged over the adjustment, with some residents arguing that the increase does not reflect current living costs. The council, however, said the revision is intended to streamline services and reduce indirect expenses faced by households during burial arrangements.

It also noted that services provided on a voluntary basis, including body washing and funeral escort activities, are not affected by the price change and remain unchanged.