Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, Auta Moceisuva, has raised concerns regarding the significant shortage of burial spaces in Suva and Nasinu, highlighting it as a pressing public issue. During a session with the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, Moceisuva expressed that landowners near key urban areas, including Suva and Lautoka, are increasingly unwilling to allocate land for burials due to fears that it could adversely affect property values in their neighborhoods.
A notable example cited by Moceisuva was the area of Balawa in Lautoka, mentioned for its prime residential status, which has seen a decline in attractiveness due to the presence of a burial ground. These considerations make the identification of long-term burial land solutions a vital matter requiring collaboration between the government, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), and local landowners.
Moceisuva elaborated on the current operational challenges faced by the Fiji Corrections Service, which conducts an average of 10 to 12 burials daily at cemeteries located in Suva, Tavakubu, and Nasinu. He also pointed out that the extension area at the Suva Cemetery is nearing its capacity, posing further risks for future burials in the region. The Vatuwaqa cemetery has already been closed to new burials, only to be potentially reopened after 14 years.
In response to the shrinking burial space, there are developments underway, such as a new section near the cremation site in Nasinu being planned with a $2.5 million budget from the government. However, projections indicate that this area could also reach full capacity within the next 15 years, reinforcing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Moreover, discussions regarding land acquisition for potential new burial sites include a possible location in Namosi, as mentioned by Moceisuva, but logistical challenges persist, particularly concerning staffing and transportation costs.
The growing cultural acceptance of cremation as an alternative also emerges as a significant trend to address the current crisis. As communities increasingly turn to cremation, the establishment of modern crematoriums in various locations indicates a shift toward more environmentally friendly and space-saving end-of-life practices. Initiatives to formalize and regulate cremation practices are underway, ensuring that the needs of diverse communities are met while managing the pressures of urbanization and land scarcity.
Fiji’s collective response to these challenges reflects a proactive approach to improving end-of-life services, combining traditional practices with modern solutions. By enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable options, the nation aims to honor the deceased while effectively addressing the pressing requirements posed by rapid urban expansion.
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