The first ever Funeral Rites Facility that opened in Vatuwaqa Suva yesterday has been applauded not only by religious groups but by the Hindu community as well.

Nine religious organizations have joined hands to allow people to perform the final rights for their loved ones in a more dignified manner.

President of the Vatuwaqa Funeral Rites Committee, Sadasivan Naicker says the facility will be convenient and meets the necessary requirements.

“The facility will be available free of charge to those who wish to make use of it. May of our fellow Fijians will benefit immensely by being able to perform one of the last rites of their loved ones with dignity.”

Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha General Secretary, Virendra Lal, says the religious organizations have applauded the initiative.

“This is the only facility in the world and for Fiji it is one of its kind. Places have been allocated in the past but people were doing with fear because some of the people were not allowing to use the places but now since a special place has been designated for the people to do so people will do it without fear and with respect.”

The Government had allocated $920,000 to build the Funeral Rites Facility.