Region's Sole Crematorium Construction Kicks Off in Daugavpils
In the heart of Daugavpils, construction is underway for a significant addition to the city's municipal cemetery – the first crematorium in Latgale. The project, scheduled for completion in 2025, is set to address the growing demand for cremation services in the region.
Andrejs Račkovskis, a representative of Monumenti.lv, has shared that more people are opting for cremation without a wake, followed by a small ceremony. This trend is expected to continue with the introduction of the new crematorium. However, the specifics of the columbarium or ground burial for urns remain undisclosed.
The new burial area and the crematorium are both being developed within the existing territory of the cemetery. The exact capacity of the new burial area has not been revealed, but it's clear that Daugavpils has enough space for graves, and there is not a critical shortage.
Jūlija Mamaja, a member of the board of the municipal company Labiekārtošana - D Ltd, has confirmed these details. She also mentioned that after the small ceremony, the urn can be placed in a columbarium or in the ground. However, the costs of construction and future services of the crematorium are not disclosed by its owners at the moment.
While the crematorium is expected to cater to the growing demand for cremation services, it's uncertain whether this will affect the number of people using crematorium services outside of Daugavpils, such as in Lithuania, Valmiera, or Riga.
Interestingly, the public in Daugavpils holds differing opinions about the crematorium. Older residents tend to prefer traditional burial methods, while younger generations are more open to change. Despite this divide, it's clear that crematorium services are in high demand in Daugavpils.
Daugavpils is home to eight cemeteries, covering a total area of more than 96 hectares. With the addition of the crematorium, these facilities are set to evolve, offering residents a new option for memorialising their loved ones. The crematorium is set to be a significant milestone in the city's history, further modernising its funeral services.
