Application for new niches at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium to open from May 11
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An FEHD spokesman said, "Further to the previous allocation of new niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium (Phase II) and Block A, Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI last year, the FEHD will launch a new round of the niche allocation exercise. A total of 22 050 extendable niches, including 21 720 standard niches (11 490 smoke-free niches and 10 230 non-smoke-free niches) and 330 large niches (160 smoke-free niches and 170 non-smoke-free niches) at Block B, Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI, will be allocated."
Applicants should only file one application form to apply for either a large niche or standard niche for the same deceased person. When applying for a large niche, the applicant has to fill in at least three deceased persons' particulars in the application form. For applying for a standard niche, the applicant has to fill in at least one deceased person's particulars.
The spokesman said, "In order to expedite the allocation process, the priorities of successful applicants for niche allocation and the designated niches assigned to them are to be determined by the drawing of lots and computer random balloting. The niches will not be chosen by the applicants themselves. The successful applicants can make use of the niche location enquiry system on the FEHD website to enquire as to the location of the niches concerned. If the applicant decides to take up the designated niche, he or she must complete the relevant formalities and settle the payments at the Public Niche Allocation Office according to the scheduled date and time.
As regards the ashes' interment period, the initial interment period is 20 years after allocation of a niche to the applicant and can be extended at 10-year intervals. On expiry of the interment period, as long as the related persons confirm extension of the interment period and pay the prevailing prescribed fee, the use of the allocated niche can be continued.
The spokesman added, "Since the quantity of each type of niches (standard/large, smoke-free or non-smoke-free) available for allocation in the columbarium is different, the chance of successful allocation varies. When deciding the type of niche to be selected for application, applicants should make reference to relevant information in the application form for assessing the chance of successful allocation."
Leaflets about the arrangement of this niche allocation exercise are available for collection from today at the department's Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, District Environmental Hygiene Offices and Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department. For details, please visit the FEHD website, or call 2841 9111 or email to enquiry_newniche@fehd.gov.hk.
Starting from May 11, application forms can be downloaded from the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk) or obtained from the department's Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, District Environmental Hygiene Offices, Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department, or by fax via the hotline 2841 9111. The completed application form together with copies of the required documents shall be submitted within the application period by fax (2333 1716), email (apply_newniche@fehd.gov.hk), or in person to the FEHD Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office or by post to the above offices.
The spokesman advised applicants to utilise the online application form and submit their applications online so as to avoid postal delays or non-delivery. The FEHD will notify the successful applicants by SMS, email or post of the serial number of the designated niche allocated. Applicants can also check the results of their applications on the next day after the drawing of lots and computer random balloting at the FEHD website, Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, Public Niche Allocation Office or through the enquiry hotline 2841 9111.
The FEHD has launched a subscription scheme for new niche allocation announcements since February 27, 2020, to enable members of the public to receive the department's relevant annual announcements. Subscribers can choose to receive notifications by SMS and/or email.
Information on the Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices and Public Niche Allocation Office of the FEHD is as follows:
Hong Kong Cemeteries and Crematoria Office
Address: 1J, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Tel: 2570 4318
Fax: 2591 1879
Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office
Address: Upper Ground Floor, 6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon
Tel: 2365 5321
Fax: 2176 4963
Public Niche Allocation Office
Address: Units 3501-3511 & 3520-3525, 35/F, Tower 1, Metroplaza, 223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Fong, New Territories
TelGĦ 2330 5635
FaxGĦ 2333 1716
Ends/Monday, May 3, 2021
Issued at HKT 16:40
Issued at HKT 16:40
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