columbarium\u2019s website<\/a>, which states that urns should be stored in a calm, respectful and clean environment.<\/p>\nPaid $33,000 for double niche before dad\u2019s death<\/h2>\n
The Stomper\u2019s family had visited Nirvana Memorial Garden at Old Choa Chu Kang Road in January to purchase a double niche for her parents, but the niche they selected was still under construction. <\/p>\n
\u201cGiven that our father was critically ill at the time, we raised concerns about the interim arrangements,\u201d recounted Clara. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe salesperson assured us that a temporary urn storage facility would be available to house the urn until the permanent niche was ready. However, we were neither informed nor given any indication that this temporary facility would be in an unfinished or unsuitable state.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Stomper said the family paid approximately $33,000 for the double niche. <\/p>\n
After her dad died, Clara and her family visited the temporary storage area on April 18 at around 4pm and found it in darkness. \u201cWe were told the lights were off because it was \u2018late\u2019,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOn April 19, the business development manager stated the lights should always be on, yet during our visit with her, the area was still in darkness, and she claimed that she had accidentally switched off the lights.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Stomper visited the area on April 21 at around 9.30am, and it was still dark. She said she was given a new explanation that the lights would be turned on only after renovations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe found this situation wholly unacceptable,\u201d said Clara, who had emailed her concerns to the sales agent and the business development manager. When she met the agent, she asked whether the columbarium would be responding to her emails. The agent said no. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn light of this lack of accountability, I would like to bring this matter to public attention, so that others who may be considering purchasing niches at this facility are aware of the current conditions and can make an informed decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
Columbarium explains \u2018interim arrangement\u2019<\/h2>\n
\u201cIn view of the family\u2019s immediate needs, available completed suites were proposed as alternative options for immediate use, while the family preferred to proceed with their originally selected location,\u201d Mr Yap told Stomp on April 23.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an interim arrangement, a temporary holding area was prepared to ensure continuity of care and safekeeping. The area is currently undergoing enhancement works as part of our ongoing facility improvement programme. Protective floor coverings and maintenance materials were in place as part of these upgrading efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that Nirvana Memorial Garden has continuously expanded and revitalised its premises to meet the rising needs of Singapore\u2019s ageing population and the growing demand for quality bereavement care services.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus remains on providing a respectful, serene, and premium environment for every family we serve,\u201d said the general manager.<\/p>\n
Clara told Stomp her father\u2019s urn is currently not in the temporary storage area, but placed in a room for a ritual called \u201canling\u201d to \u201csettle the spirit\u201d of the deceased for up to 49 days. After that, the urn has to be moved either to the purchased niche or, if it is not ready, to a temporary storage area.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is therefore entirely reasonable to expect that such a temporary storage area is properly prepared, safe, clean and operational \u2014 not one\u00a0that is still under construction,\u201d said the Stomper.<\/p>\n
But the business development manager had assured her that her father\u2019s urn could remain in the \u201canling\u201d room until the renovation of temporary storage area was completed, which could be in four months.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo firm completion timeline has been provided \u2014 only an estimate of around August,\u201d said Clara.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means that other families may still have their loved ones placed in such conditions for months. Frankly, even a single day is too long when it concerns our loved ones, let alone months.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n![\"Stomp](\"https:\/\/www.stomp.sg\/assets\/stomp-comment-COLiWNMD.png\")
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