Applications for over 18 000 new niches at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium and Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium to open from May 13
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An FEHD spokesman said, "Under the new round of niche allocation exercise, the FEHD will allocate a total of 18 100 extendable niches, including 8 000 standard niches and 40 large niches at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI, as well as 10 000 standard niches and 60 large niches at Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium. The initial ash interment period for the allocated public niches is 20 years and can be extended at 10-year intervals thereafter. Upon expiry of the interment period, the persons concerned may continue to use the allocated niche provided that he/she extends the interment period and pays the prevailing prescribed fee."
Applicants should only file one application form to apply for either a large or standard niche for the same deceased person. When applying for a large niche, applicants have to fill in the particulars of at least three deceased people. For a standard niche, applicants must fill in at least one deceased person's particulars.
The spokesman said, "The FEHD will allocate niches by open drawing of lots and computer random balloting, which is expected to be held in the third quarter of this year, with the exact date to be announced later. After the drawing of lots and computer random balloting, the FEHD will inform applicants of the results of their applications and provide serial numbers of the designated niches allocated to successful applicants. The niches will not be chosen by applicants themselves."
Starting from May 13, public members can apply online or download the application form from the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk). They can also obtain the application form in person from the Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, District Environmental Hygiene Offices of the FEHD, or Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department, or by fax via hotline 2841 9111.
The spokesman advises applicants to submit their applications online to avoid postal delay. They can also receive an acknowledgement receipt with a case number shortly after the submission, thus facilitating the follow-up of the application in the future. If the applicant is the same person who has applied for cremation service for the deceased, it is more convenient to submit online application through "iAM Smart" without the need to attach copies of the required documents. If not submitting their application online, applicants shall submit the completed application form together with copies of the required documents by fax (2333 1716), by email (apply_newniche@fehd.gov.hk), by post or in person to the Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices within the application period.
The Talk on After-death Arrangements will be held at 10.30am on May 4 (Saturday) at Yau Tong Community Hall (No. 38 Ko Chiu Road, Yau Tong, Kowloon) to provide the public with more information on the coming public niche allocation, green burial facilities/services and regulation of private columbaria. The talk is free of charge and no prior registration is required.
For details of the arrangements of the niche allocation exercise and the information seminar, please visit the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Issued at HKT 15:10
Issued at HKT 15:10
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