Officials stress multi-faith role of new Tuatua gas crematorium

The recently opened gas crematorium at Tuatua Public Cemetery in Labasa is at the center of a debate over religious customs and public service.

While cemetery officials stress the facility was built to serve all faiths, some Hindu groups have raised concerns about the crematorium’s orientation.

Cemetery secretary Jitendra Kumar told this masthead that the crematorium was constructed with a multi-ethnic theme to cater to all religious groups, including Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, and Chinese communities.

He was responding to Opposition Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma’s claims that the construction did not meet Hindu religious customs.

Mr Sharma had questioned in Parliament this week whether the crematorium meets Hindu religious customs, noting that it faces west instead of north.

He also raised concerns about the cost, estimating it between $500,000 and $1 million.

Mr Kumar clarified that the first phase of the project, including the funeral hall and gas furnace, cost $500,000, with a second phase of $300,000 planned for a block wall, driveway, and erosion prevention.

While most of the community has welcomed the new facility, Vanua Levu Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha Fiji president Vinesh Nand said Hindu organisations had raised concerns regarding the crematorium’s alignment.

“The crematorium is used predominantly by Hindus, and it is a matter of religious practice and respect,” Mr Nand said.

“We are not opposing the public nature of the facility but seek adjustments to ensure Hindu rituals can be properly observed.”

Mr Kumar emphasised that the crematorium was designed to serve all religious groups equally, pointing out that non-Hindu families have already used the facility since its opening last week.

He said they do not consider one religion's rule to be superior or above the other and that the issue surrounding the construction being undertaken in the wrong direction is unimportant.

“The issue is raised by a very small group and does not affect the overall purpose of the crematorium,” he said, urging MPs and the public to consider the facility’s multi-ethnic role.

Since the gas crematorium facility's opening last week, it has served three funeral services for a South Indian, Christian, and Sikh family.

Mr Kumar said MP Sharma should conduct his research first rather than relying on complaints that had no moral ground.