In London on February 7th, Hamid Ali Jafari expressed that he senses his father's presence whenever he passes Grenfell Tower, where his father tragically perished in a blaze over seven years ago.
The fire swept through the 23-story social housing block early on June 14, 2017, claiming 72 lives - the deadliest residential fire in Britain since World War Two.
Reflecting on his father, Jafari, 42, shared, "My dad has two cemeteries - one where we buried him and one is Grenfell Tower." He finds solace near the tower and feels his father's presence when the wind blows around it.
The British government recently announced the demolition of the tower, informing survivors and bereaved families of this decision. The demolition is planned to commence after the eighth anniversary of the tragedy in June, with an estimated duration of two years.
Jafari expressed sadness over the decision, suggesting that preserving some of the tower's floors for a future memorial could help preserve memories associated with the site. However, the government, based on engineering advice, stated that maintaining the structure was not feasible due to its deteriorating condition and the need for a lasting memorial.
Regarding the demolition, Kimia Zabihyan from the Grenfell Next of Kin group mentioned the emotional impact but emphasized the importance of understanding the rationale behind the government's choice.
Criticism arose from Grenfell United, representing fire survivors and affected families, claiming their voices weren't adequately considered by the government. However, the government stated that opportunities were provided for meetings in person or online.
A report on the fire, released last year, pointed to governmental, construction, and cladding manufacturers' failures as contributing factors. Concerns have been voiced by survivors and families about the lack of legal actions taken, suggesting the tower should stand until accountability is established.
David O'Connell, a Lancaster West estate resident, stressed the need for careful deliberation on future actions. The completion of a memorial design is expected by spring 2026, with construction possibly starting that year.
O'Connell highlighted the importance of including a structure in the memorial to symbolize the tower's height, aiming to ensure that the tragedy is never forgotten.