Old industrial buildings near cemeteries could be chosen as sites for new columbariums to meet the huge public demand, the health chief said yesterday.
But what industrial buildings and in what districts will they be chosen are still being studied by the government under the principle that any such facilities have to be located far away from residences to avoid nuisance.
Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow Yat-ngok yesterday hinted that buildings near cemeteries or burial grounds would stand a higher chance of being selected.
He declined to give further details but pledged that his bureau would work closely with the Planning and Lands departments in drawing up the plans.
'We will announce the findings once we make up our mind,' Chow told lawmakers yesterday.
He said the bureau would issue a policy on columbariums in May or June to ease the shortage of public niches that has created a boom in private columbariums. Some of these private facilities are alleged to have breached land leases or planning regulations.
There are about 1,000 private industrial buildings which can be revitalised, according to the Development Bureau. While many are located in old industrial districts, some are on the fringe.
