Sigatoka set to get modern gas crematorium at Koromumu Cemetery as Fiji expands end-of-life facilities
The government is moving ahead with a new gas crematorium for Sigatoka, to be located at Koromumu Cemetery. The project will be provided to the Sigatoka Town Council by the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, citing the cemetery’s central location and heavy use as reasons for the choice. Preparatory work is already underway, conducted in partnership by the Ministry and the Town Council.
The facility is part of a broader plan to deliver two gas crematoriums within this financial year. Minister Charan Jeath Singh emphasised the environmental and practical benefits of gas cremation, noting that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers timber consumption, while delivering dignified and sustainable funeral facilities for residents.
Context and broader momentum
This Sigatoka initiative sits within a wider push across Fiji to modernize funeral and mortuary services. For example, Labasa is targeting completion of its own gas crematorium at Tuatua Cemetery by late July, with government investment reportedly around $250,000. In Suva, a separate development has already introduced an eco-friendly crematorium and memorial gardens complex, a multi-million-dollar project designed to streamline services and reduce environmental impact. These efforts align with Fiji’s broader development goals to improve end-of-life care, alleviate overcrowding in morgues, and provide families with more efficient and compassionate options during difficult times.
What to expect next
– Preparatory work on Sigatoka’s Koromumu project is already in progress, with construction expected to advance through the current financial year.
– The Sigatoka facility will join Labasa’s upcoming crematorium as part of a national strategy to expand modern, environmentally conscious funeral infrastructure.
– As these projects unfold, residents can anticipate quicker, more centralized services closer to home, which may reduce travel burdens and improve the overall experience for grieving families.
Summary and value
The Sigatoka plan marks a positive step toward modernizing Fiji’s funeral services and reducing the environmental footprint of end-of-life care. By matching central locations with state-of-the-art technology, Fiji is aiming to provide dignified, sustainable options for communities across the country.
Additional comments
– This initiative highlights the importance of coordinated local and national efforts, with support from ministries and municipal councils to deliver crucial public services.
– Future coverage could include community reactions, timelines for each site, and any updates from the Health Ministry on related mortuary capacity upgrades.
Overall, the move to install a gas crematorium in Sigatoka reflects a hopeful, forward-looking approach to end-of-life care that benefits families and communities while supporting environmental objectives.
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