The government’s decision to dismantle Grenfell Tower – the site of a fatal fire in 2017 that killed 72 people – has received mixed reactions from those affected by the tragedy. Some people, such as Nabil Choucair, who lost six family members in the blaze, believe that the announcement is premature, arguing that many issues of justice and accountability remain unresolved. Choucair called for a more thoughtful approach to the tower’s future, saying, “It’s a very sensitive, delicate matter so it needs to be thought out well.” Others, such as Abbas Dadou, who lives near the site, believe that the tower is a safety risk and should be dismantled for structural reasons.
The government’s decision has angered many survivors and bereaved people, who fear that they are being ignored in the process. Many have suggested that a new monument – perhaps one standing at 200ft (60m) tall – should be erected in place of the tower as a permanent reminder of the tragedy, to ensure that the tower’s demolition does not sweep the incident under the carpet. Others, such as Bernadette Bernard, who lost a sibling in the fire, see a desecration of the tower as a desecration of their loved ones’ grave.
Despite these concerns, the Grenfell Tower will still be dismantled, according to the government, who said that it is necessary to do so for safety reasons and out of respect for those affected by the disaster. The tower’s fate has long been a subject of controversy since the fire broke out in 2017. In 2019, the government was advised that the building should be dismantled above the 10th floor due to safety concerns, and in 2020, a report recommended that the tower be bolstered in several areas to address concrete damage caused by weather-related forces.
The decision to dismantle the tower is a difficult one, and reveals the ongoing trauma caused by the Grenfell blaze. Although some people believe that it should be taken down quickly and others want it to remain as a reminder, many people agree that the specific circumstances of this tragic event require a period of reflection and sensitivity. For now, the future of the site remains unresolved
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