Vatulaulau community grateful for long awaited crematorium after 30 years

After been neglected for 30 years, the Vatulaulau community has finally opened their long-awaited sheltered crematorium in Vatulaulau this month.

The Project jointly funded by the Government of Fiji through the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, and local sponsors Jagindar Dayal and his wife of Dayal Quarries Pte Ltd, the project marks a major milestone for the community.

Principal Project Manager and Chairman of Trustees, Shalendra Andrew says the opening is a proud and inspirational moment as this has been an unfulfilled dream of their late forefathers and current senior citizens.

Andrew emphasises that the new crematorium restores dignity, faith, and cultural pride for families across Vatulaulau, Tarivo, Talaiya, Nasolo and Waiwai areas.

While responding to fijivillage News, he says the facility serving 192 households, provides a safe, sheltered space for funerals and spiritual rituals.

Andrew expresses gratitude for the support of the Dayal family, SD Transport Private Limited, and other donors who contributed to road upgrades, ash pits, viewing sheds and general improvements.

He encourages more initiatives like this to uplift community well-being and strengthen unity.

The Trustees now call on the government, businesses, households, and the diaspora to support ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure the crematorium continues to serve future generations.