Grieving daughter says temporary holding area for dad’s urn ‘undignified’ after paying columbarium $33,000

A grieving daughter was upset to find that the temporary holding area meant for her father’s remains at Nirvana Memorial Garden columbarium was still undergoing renovation works.

Stomper Clara called the conditions of the area “undignified” and “unacceptable”.

“When we visited the temporary urn storage area on April 18 following my father’s passing, we were shocked to find that it was still under active construction,” she told Stomp on April 21.

Unfinished ceiling and lighting, exposed walls

Clara said the flooring was covered with protective materials, the walls were unpainted with exposed plaster, and the ceiling was unfinished with visible cabling. The lighting was also with the air-conditioning seemingly routed from an adjacent room. At night, the area was not lit at all, claimed the Stomper.

“In its current condition, the space does not appear fit for use and falls short of providing a dignified environment for urn placement,” she said, noting that there were other urns stored in the area.

“This raises serious concerns, as it is unclear whether the families of those individuals are aware of the conditions in which their loved ones are being kept.”

Clara feels that the conditions seem to contradict the columbarium’s website, which states that urns should be stored in a calm, respectful and clean environment.

Paid $33,000 for double niche before dad’s death

The Stomper’s 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.

“Given that our father was critically ill at the time, we raised concerns about the interim arrangements,” recounted Clara.

“The 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.”

The Stomper said the family paid approximately $33,000 for the double niche.

After her dad died, Clara and her family visited the temporary storage area on April 18 at around 4pm and found it in darkness. “We were told the lights were off because it was ‘late’,” she said.

“On 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.”

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.

“We found this situation wholly unacceptable,” 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.

“In 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.”

Columbarium explains ‘interim arrangement’

“In view of the family’s immediate needs, available completed suites were proposed as alternative options for immediate use, while the family preferred to proceed with their originally selected location,” Mr Yap told Stomp on April 23.

“As 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.”

He added that Nirvana Memorial Garden has continuously expanded and revitalised its premises to meet the rising needs of Singapore’s ageing population and the growing demand for quality bereavement care services.

“Our focus remains on providing a respectful, serene, and premium environment for every family we serve,” said the general manager.

Clara told Stomp her father’s urn is currently not in the temporary storage area, but placed in a room for a ritual called “anling” to “settle the spirit” 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.

“It is therefore entirely reasonable to expect that such a temporary storage area is properly prepared, safe, clean and operational — not one that is still under construction,” said the Stomper.

But the business development manager had assured her that her father’s urn could remain in the “anling” room until the renovation of temporary storage area was completed, which could be in four months.

“No firm completion timeline has been provided — only an estimate of around August,” said Clara.

“This 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.”

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