The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has entered into a significant partnership agreement worth $4.5 million with E-Tech Engineering Pte Ltd to undertake major development and upgrades at the Nasinu Cemetery. This initiative aims to establish approximately 17,000 new burial plots, addressing the urgent need for expanded burial space in the area.
The agreement was officially signed yesterday by Acting Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva and E-Tech Engineering Director Ashneel Singh. The project has been in the works for nearly three years, primarily due to public concerns regarding cemetery capacity, as well as challenges related to the internal documentation and financial processes.
Mr. Moceisuva expressed gratitude towards E-Tech Engineering for their persistence throughout the lengthy process, stating, “This has been a long-standing project and at times it was frustrating when we could not implement it due to documentation and financial system issues.” He highlighted the significance of the project for the community, noting that the existing cemetery space is critically limited and could be fully utilized within the current quarter.
With the planned expansion, FCS anticipates that the additional burial plots will meet the community’s demands for up to seven years, based on the current death rate. This investment and partnership are seen as vital in addressing the long-term burial needs of Fiji’s growing population.
In response, Ashneel Singh expressed appreciation for the trust placed in E-Tech Engineering, assuring that his team is already on-site and ready to commence construction. “We truly appreciate the confidence placed in our company for such an important project that directly impacts the public, and we assure you that we will carry out the work proactively and with due diligence until completion,” he stated.
As preparations are underway, construction works are expected to begin shortly, paving the way for a project that promises to serve the community’s needs for years to come.