59 Year Old Man Builds His Own Grave to Save Family From High Funeral Expenses When He Dies

Even though he is totally fine without any illness, Mr. Patrick Kimaro, 59 years old has shocked his village after building his own grave in preparation for his death saying he's doing this to save his family.

Patrick, a Tanzanian man who works as a policeman, told BBC Swahili that he started building his grave in January to cushion his family from high funeral expenses when he dies.

Traditional leaders from Mr Kimaro’s ethnic group in Kilimanjaro region say a grave should not be dug in anticipation of death and it should not remain empty for long.

“Being a first-born child, I had a difficult time burying my parents when they died six months apart… so I decided I’ll not take my children through the same [experience],” he told BBC Swahili.

Mr Kimaro plans to set aside some money for his casket and believes his family will be able to raise money for other related expenses after his death.

The preparation of the grave, including its exquisite finishing, cost him a total of $3,000 (£2,200).