New funeral and columbarium complex may be built in Mandai

SINGAPORE: To meet the anticipated demand for after-death facilities, a new funeral and columbarium complex could be built near the existing Mandai Columbarium.

The government has identified a site for the project, at the intersection of Mandai Avenue and Sembawang Road.

An environmental impact assessment and feasibility study will be conducted before the proposed development plans are finalised, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Monday (Dec 18).

"With the number of resident deaths projected to increase, demand for wake spaces, columbaria niches and the management of remains is expected to increase in tandem," NEA said in a media release.

"The government is planning ahead for such essential facilities while balancing competing land use needs."

Singapore has three government-operated columbaria - in Choa Chu Kang, Yishun and Mandai - as well as other private columbaria.

The facility at Yishun is at full capacity while the one at Mandai is nearing its capacity, said NEA.

With an ageing population, the annual number of deaths in Singapore is projected to double from about 20,000 in 2016 to 40,000 in 2040, according to NEA's Integrated Sustainability Report 2021/2022.

"This Mandai Avenue site was selected following consultations with agencies, covering factors such as the required site area for such a multi-use facility with a columbarium and different types of funeral services, development plans for the surrounding area, traffic impact and impact on surrounding developments," said NEA.

Before development plans are finalised, an environmental impact assessment and feasibility study for the proposed development will be conducted to identify potential environmental impacts that may arise from the construction and post-construction stages.

NEA said it will involve baseline surveys of flora and fauna, detailed water quality monitoring as well as other environmental indicators such as noise levels and air quality. 

This will be followed by the development of mitigation measures along with an environmental monitoring and management plan, said NEA, adding that agencies have also engaged representatives from nature groups.

"The proposed development plans will take into consideration findings from the detailed EIA (environmental impact assessment) and further feedback from nature groups," said NEA.

"Given the site context, NEA will also be exploring sensitive design of the development so that it can be integrated with the environment and minimise impact to its surroundings."

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article said that a new government-operated funeral and columbarium complex could be built. NEA has clarified that it has not been decided if the facility would be run by the government.