Commissioning of the Tuatua Gas-Fired Public Crematorium

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Salutations

  • Ki Caumatalevu, Vua Na Gone Turaga na Tui Macuata;
  • Ki Wasavulu, Vua na Turaga na Tui Labasa;
  • Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers;
  • Senior Government Officials;
  • Tuatua Public Cemetery Trustees;
  • Members of the Tuatua Public Cemetery Committee;
  • Community Members;
  • Distinguished Guests;
  • Ladies and Gentlemen;

 

Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a very good morning to you all.

 

Let me first begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, ki Wasavulu na Turaga na Tui Labasa

 

I pay my respects to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and I acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua, we remain grateful for their custodianship, which allowed us to gather here for this important event.

 

Introduction

  • It is my distinct pleasure to be here for the official commissioning of the Tuatua Gas-Fired Public Crematorium.

 

  • Death is an inevitable part of the human journey, but no family should have to face grief in isolation or without appropriate support. Today, we commission a facility that will serve families and provide comfort during one of the most difficult point in human life.

 

  • This facility is an important public investment. It provides families in Labasa and the wider Northern Division with a safer and better managed place to farewell their loved ones with dignity.

 

  • It also reflects the Government’s commitment to improving public services in Labasa and supporting the wider development of Vanua Levu.

 

 

Responding to a Community Need

  • Ladies and gentlemen, for many years, families in Vanua Levu have had limited access to a modern and properly equipped cremation facility.

 

  • In recognition of this need, the Government invested approximately $481,663 in the Tuatua project. Construction and upgrading works commenced in September 2024.

 

  • Today, we see the result of that investment in a refurbished and upgraded facility that will provide an important service to families across Labasa and the Northern Division.

 

  • The true value of this investment will not be measured only by the facility we commission today, but by the quality of service it provides to families over the years ahead. Every family that comes here should receive a service that is respectful, reliable, affordable and delivered with compassion.

 

Public Service

  • Ladies and Gentlemen, one of our nation’s greatest strengths is our diversity. Fiji is blessed with many cultures, traditions, languages and religions.

 

  • The Tuatua Crematorium has been developed as a public facility that will serve families from different cultural and religious communities.

 

  • As a public facility, we must also ensure that access remains affordable and equitable. No family should be placed under additional financial pressure at a time of grief. The Government will therefore continue to promote fair and transparent arrangements for the use of public cremation services.

 

 

  • The Government recognises the importance of religious freedom and cultural identity. We also recognise that funeral rites and cremation practices carry deep spiritual and cultural meaning for families and communities. This facility must therefore be administered with compassion, respect and cultural sensitivity.

 

  • The Tuatua Public Cemetery serves communities across greater Labasa, including Tuatua, Wailevu, Waiqele, Labasa Town, Korowiri, Tovata, Namara and Batanikama. Together, these communities represent a population of more than 20,000 people.

 

  • The facility will therefore have a significant and lasting impact on families throughout this area. Every family will eventually experience the loss of a loved one. It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that our people have access to appropriate public facilities through which their loved ones can be farewelled with dignity.

 

 

 

 

Expanding Crematorium Services

  • The Tuatua project forms part of a wider programme being undertaken by the Government to improve crematorium facilities throughout Fiji.

 

  • A second gas-fired cremation unit is currently being installed at the Navua Crematorium.

 

  • The operation of this facility must also meet appropriate health, safety and environmental standards. As we expand crematorium services across Fiji, we must ensure that modern technology is accompanied by responsible environmental management, proper emissions control and safe operating practices.

 

  • Two weeks ago, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Varoko Crematorium in Ba. Construction is now underway and is scheduled to be completed within the next five to six months. A gas-fired cremation unit will then be installed at the facility.

 

  • The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts is also progressing the necessary groundwork for the development of crematorium facilities in Lautoka, Sigatoka and Savusavu.

 

  • During this financial year, the Ministry has been allocated $1.06 million for the procurement of gas-fired cremation units. An additional $550,000 has been allocated for the upgrading and improvement of crematorium facilities.

 

  • These investments will help ensure that more communities throughout Fiji have access to modern, efficient and appropriately managed services.

 

  • I am also pleased to announce that the Ministry will pilot two Shraad Ghaat construction projects, one in Labasa and the other in Lautoka. These initiatives recognise the importance of providing appropriate spaces in which members of our communities can observe their cultural and religious practices with respect and dignity.

 

  • Investment does not end when construction is completed. We must ensure that these facilities are properly maintained, safely operated and adequately resourced so that the investment made by Government continues to deliver value to communities for many years.

 

People-Centred Development

  • The commissioning of the Tuatua Crematorium reflects the Government’s commitment to people-centred development.

 

  • Development must be about more than economic growth. It must also provide the infrastructure and essential services that improve the lives and wellbeing of our people.

 

  • This project demonstrates how practical public investment can respond to a genuine community need while respecting the cultural and religious diversity of our people.

 

  • As Labasa continues to grow as a key commercial and service centre for the Northern Division, the Government must continue investing in the infrastructure and public services needed by the people of Vanua Levu.

 

  • This facility should also remain responsive to the community it serves. I encourage the Trustees and relevant authorities to maintain an open dialogue with families, religious organisations and community representatives so that the service continues to reflect the needs and expectations of our people.

 

  • I also wish to emphasise that good infrastructure must be matched by good governance. The Trustees, Committee and relevant authorities have an important responsibility to ensure that this facility is managed transparently, maintained properly and remains focused on serving the community

 

  • The investment in community infrastructure extends beyond crematorium facilities. Through the Multi-Ethnic Community Grant Programme, the Government has allocated $2 million during this financial year to support community development initiatives.

 

  • The programme supports cemetery improvements and other essential infrastructure that delivers practical benefits to communities throughout Fiji.

 

 

 

  • I encourage eligible communities to make use of these opportunities and to work closely with the Ministry to identify projects that can deliver meaningful and lasting benefits.

 

Transforming the Northern Division

  • Today’s commissioning also forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to the development of Vanua Levu.

 

  • Development in the North must not be measured only by major economic projects. It must also be measured by the quality of the everyday services available to our people — from health and education to water, transport, community facilities and dignified end-of-life services.

 

  • We must create the conditions in which that potential can be realised. This means improving the infrastructure and essential services that connect communities, support businesses, attract investment and make it easier for people to live and work in the North

 

  • Programmes such as Na Vualiku form part of this wider effort to unlock the potential of Vanua Levu. They are intended to ensure that local communities, landowners, farmers, women, young people and businesses can participate in and benefit from economic growth.

 

  • Our measure of progress must ultimately be the difference that people experience in their daily lives. The development of Vanua Levu must reach our communities, create opportunities and improve livelihoods. It must be development undertaken with our people, for our people and for the future of the North.

 

Conclusion

  • Ladies and gentlemen, the commissioning of the Tuatua Gas-Fired Public Crematorium marks an important addition to the public infrastructure serving Labasa and the wider Northern Division.

 

  • I take this opportunity to acknowledge the Tuatua Public Cemetery Trustees, the Tuatua Public Cemetery Committee, the local community, Ministry officials, contractors, consultants and all stakeholders who contributed to bringing this project to completion. Your partnership with the Government is deeply appreciated.

 

  • May this facility serve the people of Labasa and the wider communities of Vanua Levu for generations to come, providing comfort to families and respecting the traditions and values of our diverse communities

 

  • It now gives me great pleasure to declare the Tuatua Gas-Fired Public Crematorium officially commissioned and open.

 

  • Vinaka Vakalevu & May God bless you all, and may God bless Fiji.

 

 

[END]

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