Vatuwaqa cemetery and crematorium
Dewan Chand, Suva
I write this open letter to the Special Administrator Suva City Council (assuming he is in charge of Vatuwaqa cemetery/crematorium) and wish to register my concern regarding the upkeep and maintenance of the above mentioned.
It is in a state of neglect for a very long time. It has no proper facilities such as toilets, a hall and a caretaker’s living quarters.
There is no gate to prevent the night revellers from abusing the premises.
Suva has a very large population and the Vatuwaqa crematorium and burial grounds are in great demand.
Hindus, Muslims and Christians use this facility. Therefore, it is only fair that it should be well kept and given the dignity it deserves.
The burial grounds are encroaching on to the crematorium area. Families have been burying their dead and building structures on graves; some really huge ones to place the tomb stones.
The love, attachment and emotions are understandable. But this chaotic situation cannot continue.
I strongly suggest that a gas fired crematorium be built at the current site to conserve the mangrove timber, which is currently being used to cremate the dead. In view of Fiji’s role vis-a-vis climate change, it will be a big plus for all Fijians.
Those who have visited the Dignified Crematorium at 9 Miles, Nasinu, will agree with me that it is a beautifully kept facility with an ample parking spaces, gardens, toilet facility and a modern hall with ample seating facility for conducting the final prayers and speeches etc.
I am told that a new crematorium is being built at the Raralevu Cemetery, which will cater for the cremation of three bodies at any one time. It is a great move to modernise the final resting place for our dead.
I sincerely hope that my appeal will not fall on deaf ears and some action will be taken to modernise the Vatuwaqa cemetery and crematorium grounds.
Congrats Jack’s Nadi
Ronnie Chang, Nadi
Against all odds, going in as underdogs, against the inclement Ratu Cakobau Park weather and heavy underfoot conditions, you rose as a sleeping giant, from its slumber to beat defending champs Naitasiri.
What an awesome effort. Even I had my doubts, pre-match, but amazingly you conquered.
Sincere congratulations Jetset Jack’s Nadi for your amazing grit and dogged determination to beat Naitasiri 14-10 on their home turf to wrest the coveted Farebrother Trophy to Nadi.
Now, the big hard task awaits us all.
Do your utmost in your defence of this coveted trophy.
Summon all your combined strengths.
You have all that it takes.
All our chiefs in the vanua of Nadi need to rally all of Nadi to support our team to a successful defence.
Winning was easier than every defence to come.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj