Planning of columbarium locations is URA’s duty

I share Mr Liew Kai Khiun’s sentiments that the authorities could be more sensitive to residents in planning the construction of privately-run columbaria and situate them away from densely-populated areas (“Upgrade Mount Vernon Columbarium instead”; Jan 7).

Visits to cemeteries always remind people of deep emotions associated with loved ones and loss.

In the past, it was inevitable that residential areas were sited on the fringe of existing cemeteries, but with the establishment of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to oversee and plan land use, this has changed. Old cemeteries were cleared and burial grounds and columbaria were relocated to less populated areas.

Some places of worship have columbaria, but these are non-profit organisations offering a service to members for the remembrance of ancestors. They are not commercial companies for profit and, in some cases, their existence predates their function as columbaria.

The upscale columbarium Nirvana Memorial Garden is situated at Old Choa Chu Kang Road. Since the new columbarium will also be run by a commercial company, it seems logical that it too belongs in the same area.

Ideally, the running of columbaria should not be in the hands of for-profit commercial firms, as is the case in Hong Kong, where private companies have proliferated, with some charging HK$200,000 (S$34,400) and above for a niche. Fortunately, for now, we appear to have sufficient space in less populated areas providing niches at affordable rates.

Providing a respectable send-off for the deceased should be a charitable service, while planning for the location of such facilities is the responsibility of the URA.