Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the new ash tower at the Yangmingshan First Cemetery on August 28. He noted that the new facility will offer residents an environmentally friendly way to remember loved ones.

According to the mayor, the Second Memorial Tower at the Yangmingshan First Cemetery has been in the planning for several years. With help from residents, city councilors, and borough chiefs of Beitou District, the Urban Planning Commission approved the plan in October of 2008, clearing the way for constructions.

The mayor pointed out that there has always been a high demand for ash tower slots. The new ash tower will provide 50,000 spaces, helping to relieve the demands. Members of disadvantaged groups will find the tower to be an ideal resting place for their deceased family members, given the affordable pricing and close proximity of the facility to the city.

Citing the Oscar-winning movie “Departures (Okuribito)”, Hau expressed his hope that the staff of Taipei’s Mortuary Services Office (MSO) can follow the example of mortician depicted in the film, treating the deceased with respect and dignity. It is an important profession, noted the mayor, because the family of the deceased entrusts the undertaker with the somber task of preparing their loved ones for the final rest.

He also took the opportunity to praise MSO Director Tu Ying-hui for introducing revolutionary changes to the operations of the agency.