The company behind the proposed crematorium in Paola, planned to be located next to the Addolorata cemetery, has said that they have been trying to introduce cremation in Malta for many years

Camilleri Funeral Directors said: “We were never able to do so in the past as till now we were unable to find a land that meets our desired criteria, which is to include a crematorium as part of a landscaped memorial garden that would offer families various possibilities for dignified storage, scattering or burial of the ashes of their loved ones.”

The Malta Independent has reported that plans have been submitted for a crematorium next to the Addolorata Cemetery.

“We feel this location being adjacent to the rear entrance of the Addolorata Cemetery is ideal for the purpose and probably the only possibility for Malta to have its own cremation facility.

The company said that the development will include landscaped gardens where ashes could be scattered, a woodland area where ashes may be interred in environmentally friendly urns and have a tree planted over; as well as about ground niches in monuments where urns could be stored safely for loved ones to visit.

The proposal is n ODZ land, however Camilleri Funeral Directors said that any impact on the environment would be mitigated by the planting of more trees and “we do not exclude the possibility of planting more trees elsewhere.”

“A meeting is being held in the coming weeks with Clive Tonna at the environmental health directorate to discuss the project and try to find ways to overcome existing impediments such as the lack of legislation to regulate operation of crematoriums.” The directorate has objected to the project on the grounds of lack of regulation.

“Overseas consultants specialised in the field of cremation, construction and operation of memorial gardens have also been engaged to assist us with this project and we hope to have the support of the government and the general public so that we may hopefully see this project through.”