‘Certain traditional religious beliefs and vested interests are interfering with progress’
By Bejay Browne
It’s been five years since cremation was made legal in Cyprus after a long battle with the Orthodox church, but there is still no private or state-run crematorium.
However, this could change by 2023, provided that no further rezoning, town planning restrictions, or bureaucracy causes delay.
A private Cyprus based initiative told the Cyprus Mail that it is looking to set up and operate the first such facility on the island to meet the demands of the thousands of mostly foreign expats who have demanding the option of being cremated for years.
A representative spoke on condition of anonymity but confirmed that moves are underway to create a much-needed facility.
“Applications have been made, it now just depends if the authorities change anything again as to when it would be built. Hopefully by 2023, it would be operational. A crematorium is necessary for Cyprus as it will then give people the important choice between burial and cremation,” he said.
Currently, those choosing to be cremated mean that families face hefty costs to send loved ones abroad.
A crematorium would mean a significant investment of several million euros. The ball park figure for setting up the venture is around 2.5 million euros, he said, adding that the cost of each cremation is currently being decided as ‘costings have changed’.
“We think that there will be approximately 60 cremations carried out per month and we believe it will be popular with most nationalities and religions,” he said.
Under the legislation passed in 2016, individuals wishing to be cremated in Cyprus must register their preference in life, and not after death by their relatives. In order for it to be valid, a person must have expressly indicated that this preference is their exclusive right.
The relevant law also regulates cremation procedures as well as additional matters concerning the licensing of crematoriums, funeral homes and the delivery of the ashes to relatives.
Despite the legal framework being in place, obstacles remain which have blighted the process to create a crematorium. These include the current town planning restrictions, the initial high cost and the possible deterioration of air quality in near the facility. These difficulties are being overcome, the spokesman said.
While the demand from foreign residents is high, some Cypriots are also showing an interest in cremation as an alternative to burial.
This article was originally published by the Cyprus Mail
