Tuatua families hope crematorium cuts pollution

Residents living near the Tuatua cemetery in Labasa hope the long-awaited crematorium will reduce air pollution and the build-up of ashes on their homes.

Residents said ashes from traditional cremations often settle on rooftops, while smoke pollution affects air quality in the area.

Tuatua resident Sima Devi said she would be relieved once the gas-fired crematorium is c“Nearly every day we face this issue because we live close to the Tuatua Cemetery. The level of air pollution is a serious concern,” Ms Devi said.

Ms Devi said one of her family members suffered from asthma, because it was difficult to cope with the smoke and pollution.

“We will be relieved once this gas-fired crematorium opens because there will be less air pollution and we won’t have to worry about ashes piling up on our rooftops,” she said.

Another resident, Sudesh Lal, said there were times when more than two bodies were cremated consecutively at the cemetery.

“At times the air pollution is unbearable and smoke enters our homes,” Mr Lal said.

“I support this project because it will reduce air pollution in our community.”

The crematorium is intended to provide a more modern and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional open-air cremation.

However, families waiting for the opening of the Tuatua gas-fired crematorium will have to wait a few more months, as work on the facility remains incomplete.

The crematorium, which was expected to open last year, is still awaiting final installation, with no confirmed completion date.

Multi-Ethnic Affairs Minister Charan Jeath Singh said major construction work had already been completed.

“The building is complete and the gas unit is already at the site,” Mr Singh said.

He said the project could not proceed without specialised technicians from India.

The Government has allocated more than $250,000 for the construction of the crematorium.