Public Columbarium Niches | Optimized Allocation Arrangements Starting in August, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department: More Convenient and Flexible

SighingCashier

2026-03-25 05:18:40

Abstract generation in progress

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will optimize the current allocation system for public columbarium niches. Starting from August, a monthly allocation schedule will be implemented, providing over 1,600 niches each month, totaling more than 19,000 niches annually.

Assistant Director of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Mr. Choi Ka-wai, stated on a radio program that the new arrangement eliminates the need to wait for a year. Instead, applications can be submitted every month, with more options available during the application process, offering citizens greater flexibility and convenience when choosing public niches. The department will monitor the trends after the new system is in place and make adjustments if necessary.

Usage of public niches has remained stable over the past six years

Regarding citizens who win a niche but then give up and are unable to submit a new application for the same placement within six months, Mr. Choi explained that he understands some may refuse due to dissatisfaction with the orientation or location of the niche. However, such practices can affect the rights of other citizens, and the department does not encourage this behavior.

He also mentioned that the adoption of green burial practices has increased, rising from 8.4% in 2014 to 19.1% last year. Based on the usage of public niches over the past six years, the numbers have remained relatively stable, with around 18,000 niches used last year and the year before. He believes the current number of niches can meet the demand.

Chan Hoi-ying: Shortening waiting times and improving convenience

Legislative Councilor Chan Hoi-ying believes that Hong Kong has previously experienced shortages of niche supply, which forced the temporary placement of ancestors’ ashes elsewhere, causing inconvenience and concern for families. She considers the new arrangement to be more convenient and capable of shortening waiting times.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.