Application for new niches at Tsang Tsui and Wo Hop Shek columbariums to open from May 11
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An FEHD spokesman said today (April 20), "Further to the previous allocation of some 20 000 niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium (Phase I) and Wong Nai Chung Road Columbarium in 2019, the FEHD will launch a new round of niche allocation. A total of 44 950 extendable niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium and Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI will be allocated, including 22 680 standard niches (7 080 smoke-free niches and 15 600 non-smoke-free niches) and 220 non-smoke-free large niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium; and 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 Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI. The application period will start from May 11 till June 10."
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 drawing of lots and computer 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.
"In addition, to encourage co-location of ashes and take into consideration those who have failed in the last allocation exercise, these two categories of applicants - if meeting the criteria for the respective category - will be given an additional ballot paper under that category to enhance the chance of a successful ballot exercise. In exceptional cases, for applicants who were unsuccessful in the most recent two consecutive niche allocation exercises, two additional ballot papers will be allotted under that category.
"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 thereafter upon payment of the prevailing prescribed fee. On expiry of the 20-year/10-year 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 and type of niches (standard/large; smoke-free or non-smoke-free) available for allocation in these two columbaria are different, the chance of successful allocation varies. When deciding the type of niche to be selected for application, applicants should make reference to the relevant information in the application form for assessing the chance of successful allocation."
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 Home Affairs Department, Post Offices on Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau and at Mui Wo and Tai O or by fax via 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.
Applicants can also fill in the online application form and submit the application online. The FEHD advises applicants to submit application forms online so as to avoid postal delay 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 balloting at the FEHD website, Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, Public Niche Allocation Office or through the enquiry hotline 2841 9111.
Leaflets regarding the arrangement of this niche allocation exercise are available for collection from tomorrow (April 21) at the department's Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, District Environmental Hygiene Offices, Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of Home Affairs Department, Post Offices on Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau or at Mui Wo and Tai O. For details, please visit the FEHD website, or call 2841 9111 or email to enquiry_newniche@fehd.gov.hk.
The FEHD has launched a subscription scheme for the new niche allocation announcement since February 27 this year to facilitate members of the public to receive the department's relevant 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 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: Upper Ground Floor, Block B, 6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon
Tel：2330 5635
Fax：2333 1716
Ends/Monday, April 20, 2020
Issued at HKT 14:00
Issued at HKT 14:00
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