Why demolishing Grenfell Tower could be (another) big mistake
Grenfell Tower survivors are opposing the demolition and contesting the Government’s lack of communication.
The Grenfell Tower documentary went on air last night on Channel 4.
It painted the compelling story of citizens waiting for justice after the horrible fire that took the lives of 72 people, and left many others without a home. But for many the sufferance is not over: just this week, the wound that survivors and bereaved family members tried to heal, was cut open again.
It happened when The Times revealed that Ministers were set to announce the demolition of Grenfell Tower because of safety risk to the local community. The news spread like a shock wave among the people who are still following the inquiry and waiting for the end of the investigations.
One of them is Antonio Roncolato, who lived on the 10th floor and was among the 223 survivors.
Watch here my first interview with Antonio:
He told me that many people involved didn’t react well to the news:
“We were very surprised and disappointed after reading the article in the Sunday Times. We were in continuous communication with the member of the Government and member of the Parliament. We wanted to be there every step of the way. We have tried to contact the Government now, but there have been no answers so far.”
1st problem with Grenfell Tower demolition: Lack of Trust
According to Antonio, the Government promised that when the independent engineer was going to assess the tower, people from the community could be present and ask questions about the possible options.
“We were not involved and this is what is bothering us. From day one we were asked to trust them. They assured us that we would have been involved. But now that this has happened, how can we still trust them?”
The Government said they did a survey to ask what people thought about the demolition of the tower.
However, according to Grenfell United, they engaged with fewer than 10 of the bereaved and survivors on this matter.
“With such a wide range of viewpoints across all affected families, we struggle to understand why this would be pushed through so quickly.”
2nd problem with Grenfell demolition: No Communication
The basic problem, as of now, is not the demolition itself, but the lack of communication between the community and The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
They were the ones who took over ownership of the building in 2018 and promised that the tower block would not be pulled down before the fifth anniversary of the fire, in June 2022.
“The tower inevitably will have to come down one day”, explained Antonio. “But there is a process. It still means a lot to people. We were promised by the Government that we would sit at the table with them and decide what steps to take in order to take it down.”
So far, the only person who contacted them after the news broke, is former Prime Minister Theresa May, who promised them that she will do whatever she can to help them from the sidelines.
Antonio revealed: “Even though she is a backbencher now, she contacted us and asked us how we felt about it. She said she really cared about us and she will try to bring the matter back to the discussion table.”
3rd problem with Grenfell demolition: the Ongoing Investigation
It is fundamental to keep the discussion about the demolition of the Tower open for survivors and families.
Especially because many of them have concerns about the ongoing investigation on what caused the fire to spread and all the fire safety issues connected to the building.
Which is why, according to Antonio, Grenfell Tower should stay up until the whole investigation process is over.
“The Tower has to stay there until the inquiry is over, all the evidence needed is collected from it and the police have arrested the people responsible. Then we can talk about when it will be taken down.”
4th problem with Grenfell demolition: Destroying the Memory
Making sure that the physical database for the investigation is still there is not the only purpose of maintaining Grenfell Tower.
According to Antonio, who escaped from the flames at 6.05 in the morning, the Tower has a very specific, almost moral, function.
“The Tower has to be a constant reminder of what happened four years ago. Once something is out of the way, it’s easy to forget. The Tower represent the shameful event that took place.”
Survivors, family members and the local community are already gathering ideas on what to put in place, once the Tower will be destroyed.
“There is a commission gathering ideas from residents and local communities and survivors. Everybody is putting an input. And once all the option will be available, then we will decide. Maybe we will have a memorial garden.”
It is clear that the Government can’t ignore the Grenfell community, who showed already strength and union in the face of tragedy. Ignoring their plea to be listened about what will happen to their former home, could be the next big misstep the Government makes since the night of the fire.
An MHCLG spokesperson said to The Independent that they are aware of the situation and they are taking every step to involve the community:
“We know how important and sensitive this decision is and no decision has been taken. Following important independent safety advice from structural engineers, we are engaging closely with the community as we consider the evidence including the safety concerns raised, and what the future of the Grenfell Tower should be.”
