The demand for burial plots is increasing especially for Lovonilase and the new extension cemetery in Suva.

Commissioner of Corrections Commander Francis Kean says they’ve diverted several requests to Nasinu Cemetery, which is currently undergoing works to develop thousand more plots.

Commander Kean reveals there are fifteen burials per week for the Suva cemetery and twenty-five in Nasinu.

The expansion of the Suva cemetery which is currently underway will include 15,000 plots and the work at the Nasinu cemetery once completed will have 25,000 plots.

He says in some cases; the FCS has requested relatives of the deceased to identify family burial plots which could be reopened.

Under the Burials Act, plots can be reopened after 14 years. In the recent past, the FCS has been exercising this practice to meet the current demand and await the completion of civil works at the Nasinu and Suva Cemeteries.

The Commissioner says they’re also trying to consider geographical locations requests coming from the Delainavesi to Wainadoi corridor.

He says it’s only sensible they allot plots in the Lovonilase and the new extension cemetery.

For other suburbs of Suva, the FCS would ideally advise they use the Nasinu cemetery.

Commander Kean says a lot of work has been undertaken by the FCS internal project engineers to ensure there are clearly demarcated burial plots for a dignified farewell.

The Fiji Correction Service is mandated under the Public Burials Act to maintain and manage the major public cemeteries in Suva, Nasinu, Vatuwaqa, Labasa, Levuka, Tavakubu and Balawa in Lautoka.