Why don't we have a crematorium?

While the government is in the process of building thousands of graves, I cannot understand why it is dragging its feet to issue a permit for the building of a crematorium, which would bring us in line with other civilised countries.

As things stand, the relatives of people whose wish was to be cremated are going through an enormous expense to have them transported to the UK for cremation.

I met quite a number of people who favour cremation over burial but, as things are, these people are being denied a choice. One crematorium is enough for Malta and I was made to understand that there are those who are interested in this enterprise. Even if this were not the case, foreigners involved in this business might be interested in the building of a crematorium in Malta.

One crematorium does not take much space, unlike the building of thousands of graves, and everybody knows how precious space is in Malta. Besides, cremation is cleaner and more hygienic. So what is keeping the authorities from taking the decision?

Is the current situation financially favourable to the people involved in the business or are the usual reactionary forces at work even on this matter?