Applications for new niches at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium and Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium to open from March 20
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An FEHD spokesman said, "Under the new round of the niche allocation exercise, a total of 8 161 extendable niches at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI will be allocated, including 8 000 standard niches (4 000 smoke-free niches and 4 000 non-smoke-free niches) and 161 large niches (82 smoke-free niches and 79 non-smoke-free niches). As for Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium, a total of 10 104 extendable niches including 10 000 standard niches (5 000 smoke-free niches and 5 000 non-smoke-free niches) and 104 large niches (52 smoke-free niches and 52 non-smoke-free niches) will be allocated."
The FEHD will only process one application for each deceased in any application period. 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. When 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 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 (www.fehd.gov.hk) 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."
To encourage co-location of ashes, the applicants, if meeting the relevant criteria, will be given an additional ballot paper to enhance the chance of a successful balloting.
As regards the ash 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. 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 allocated niche can continue to be used.
The spokesman added, "Since the quantity of each type of niche (standard/large, smoke-free or non-smoke-free) available for allocation in the two columbaria 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 a successful allocation. In addition, applicants opting for a niche in Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium could also opt to accept the same type of niche remaining in Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI as a backup choice if the allocation of their first choice is unsuccessful."
Starting from March 20, an online application can be made or an application form can be downloaded from the FEHD website. Members of the public may also obtain the application form 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 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), by post or in person to the FEHD's Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office.
The spokesman advises applicants to apply online so as to avoid postal delay/non-delivery. If the applicant is the same person who applied for the cremation service for the deceased, it will be more convenient for them to submit an online application through the "iAM Smart" as copies of the required documents are not needed.
The spokesman also pointed out that the open drawing of lots and computer random balloting for the allocation of niches would be conducted in July this year tentatively, and interment of ashes would be subsequently arranged for successful applicants in an orderly manner. The FEHD will notify the successful applicants by WhatsApp or SMS and email or post of the serial number of the designated niche allocated. Applicants can also check the results of their applications immediately after the drawing of lots and computer random balloting at the FEHD website or on the following day at Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, Public Niche Allocation Office or through the above-mentioned hotline.
Leaflets about the arrangements 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 Home Affairs Department. For details, please visit the FEHD website, or call the hotline or email to enquiry_newniche@fehd.gov.hk.
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 and 3520-3525, 35/F, Tower 1, Metroplaza, 223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Fong, NT
Tel：2330 5635
Fax：2333 1716
Ends/Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Issued at HKT 11:20
Issued at HKT 11:20
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