RELATIVES of people who die on Kadavu cannot pay their final respects as the morgue at Vunisea Hospital has not been working for more than six months.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, Ravitaki district representative Vianeri Ratulogadrau said when a person died, the burial had to be held the same day, resulting in close relatives missing out on attending the funeral gathering.
He said the issue was highlighted during the provincial council meeting, officially opened by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, at Tavuki Village in July.
Tui Tavuki Ratu Penioni Nacagilevu said there more than 70 villages on the island of Kadavu with a population of about 8000 people.
“Most of the time, if a person dies today, we have to bury them immediately,” he said.
“It’s sad for those children in Suva who are not able to bid farewell to their parents or siblings. If they have to come then they will wait for the boat, which only operates twice a week.
“For the more fortunate ones who are able to afford the $160 airfare, it is not an issue.
“It’s a very painful thing for many in Suva and overseas who are not able to pay their respects to their loved ones.
He said the scope of works for the mortuary and the whole hospital renovation was around $1.8 million.
“The Government told us to wait for the budget, we waited until nothing was done and now elections are over, still nothing has been done about it.
“I don’t know what else we can do so people in authority can address this issue.
“When there is a working mortuary, at least it gives family members ample time to prepare themselves.”
- Questions sent to Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
