Deputy Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva has expressed urgent concerns regarding the diminishing burial spaces in Suva and Nasinu, highlighting a growing public issue about land scarcity for burials. Speaking during a session with the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, he noted that landowners near major urban areas, including Suva and Lautoka, are increasingly reluctant to dedicate land for burial sites, fearing that such developments may adversely affect property values. For example, in the Balawa area of Lautoka, which is located in a desirable residential region, the presence of a nearby cemetery is seen as a drawback.
Moceisuva emphasized the critical importance of addressing the dwindling availability of burial land, calling for collaboration among the government, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), and local landowners. Currently, the Fiji Corrections Service oversees an average of 10 to 12 burials daily, primarily at cemeteries in Suva, Tavakubu, and Nasinu. He specifically pointed out that the extension area of the Suva Cemetery is rapidly being used up, with no further land available for burials once it reaches capacity.
The situation is similarly dire in Nasinu, where a small plot adjacent to the new cremation site is under development, funded by a $2.5 million government budget for excavation. However, projections indicate that this section could become full within the next 15 years, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the shortage of burial space.
As discussions continue around the forthcoming Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Act 2025, Moceisuva emphasized the need for swift and effective measures to tackle the challenges surrounding burial land. This pressing call aligns with a broader trend in urban areas across Fiji, where land designated for burials is decreasing due to urban development pressures.
In response to these complications, the promotion of cremation services is emerging as a viable alternative. Government initiatives aimed at improving cremation facilities and acknowledging crematoriums represent a proactive approach to alleviating the strain on traditional burial spaces. Recent projects, including the construction of gas crematoriums in regions like Ba and Labasa, signify a collective effort to modernize end-of-life care practices while respecting cultural sensibilities and addressing immediate land concerns.
Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to sustainable practices, there remains hope that Fiji can effectively navigate the challenges posed by burial and cremation needs, ensuring that all individuals are afforded a dignified farewell.