𝗧𝘂𝗮 𝗧𝘂𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝘀-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry has commenced the construction works for the Tua Tua Gas-Fired Crematorium project in Labasa.

While officiating the groundbreaking ceremony in Labasa today, Minister Hon. Charan Jeath Singh reiterated Coalition Government’s commitment towards inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, recognizing and celebrating Fiji’s diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural landscape.

“While visits to cemeteries are mostly a somber affair, today’s occasion is about ushering in a new beginning. The completion of this new facility will have a gas-fired cremator, and a decent sitting arrangement for the mourners. This is something which the people in Labasa, and indeed, the people of the northern division have been deprived of – a good facility which they can use to farewell their departed ones,” he said.

Minister Singh further reiterated that the Tua Tua Gas-Fired Crematorium Project is the first of several planned crematorium projects across the country by the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry including sites in Lautoka, Ba, and Navua. These crematoriums will provide modern, eco-friendly facilities for communities to honor their loved ones.

“Other Ethnic Communities will also use the Gas Crematoriums to perform the burial for the loved ones. The Tua Tua Gas-Fired Crematorium Project is expected to be completed within 16 calendar weeks, provided all procedures proceed as planned,” he said

The new crematorium will feature a gas-fired cremator, which is a more environmentally friendly option and contributes to the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the need for timber. This initiative aligns with Fiji’s broader environmental goals and demonstrates the government’s dedication to sustainable development.

Preparatory work for the project included a competitive tender process for the supply, installation, and commissioning of four gas-fired cremators, awarded to City Pharmacy Limited. Additionally, 4K Construction has been selected for the refurbishment of the Tua Tua crematorium, and Weseng Consulting Limited is tasked with the Environmental Management Plan, as required by the Department of Environment.

In parallel, the Ministry is advancing plans for the establishment of a ‘Ghaat’ facility in Labasa, which will enable families to offer final prayers to their deceased relatives. Initial discussions with site owners in Korovatu are underway, with further planning and cost assessments to follow.

The Labasa Town Council Special Administrator Mr. Paul Jaduram has acknowledged the government’s contribution towards such a project which will deliver better facilities for people in the North to perform final burial rituals for their loved ones.