The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) is exploring a potential new burial site in Namosi as urban cemeteries in Fiji face critical space shortages. This information was presented by Deputy Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva during a session with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, focusing on the forthcoming Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Act 2025.
Mr. Moceisuva explained that discussions with local landowners regarding the Namosi land are ongoing, yet he acknowledged significant logistical challenges if the burial operations are shifted there. “We have been advised by TLTB that there is a piece of land available in Namosi, but it’s still under discussion,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a nearby prison to utilize inmate labor for burial services, thereby keeping costs low. He remarked that the Fiji Corrections Service has provided some of the region’s most affordable burial services, benefiting from this labor resource.
Despite the potential, Moceisuva expressed concerns over the costs and logistical complications associated with commuting workers to the new site, particularly in relation to the proximity to the Queens Highway.
The situation regarding burial space in Fiji mirrors a wider trend, as major urban areas like Suva and Lautoka are running out of cemetery space rapidly. With predictions stating that these urban cemeteries could reach full capacity within the next decade, proactive measures are increasingly vital. The government, having allocated $2.5 million for excavation work in Nasinu, recognizes the urgency of addressing these issues.
The growing preference for cremation emerges as a favorable alternative in light of these challenges. Increased initiatives to formally recognize and regulate crematoriums are underway, aligning with cultural practices, particularly as communities strive to address burial space shortages.
Efforts to promote cremation have gained traction, with new gas crematoriums being constructed in multiple locations such as Ba and Labasa, reflecting a significant shift in Fiji’s approach to end-of-life services. By enhancing infrastructure and encouraging traditional practices alongside modern solutions, Fiji aims to ensure that every individual is honored in a dignified manner while adapting to the pressing needs imposed by urban growth and land scarcity.
As citizens advocate for respectful treatment of burial rights, the collective efforts to modernize Fiji’s end-of-life services resonate with hope for a more compassionate, sustainable future in managing death care services.
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