The terrible tragedy that engulfed 24 storeys high “Grenfell Tower” with unimaginable loss of life among residents of 149 flats, reminded me of 1974 movie “Towering Inferno” that caught imagination of the public at the time.
The star studded movie had such an impact that many States and Housing Associations tightened their rules and regulations, as the theme of the movie was that shoddy workmanship, cutting corners by contractors and use of cheap, inappropriate materials was the cause of the fire in the tallest building ever built.
As PM has ordered thorough public inquiry that will leave no stones unturned, it seems the plastic cladding used to insulate outer walls was not fire-proof, banned in US for tall towers, thus flames engulfed the building in no time at all.
Initially PM’s response was manifestly feeble. PM did not meet a single survivor on her first visit, in sharp contrast to Labour leader Jeromy Corbin, Her Majesty the Queen and Royal family members. No wonder people turned nihilist. As usual, PM and the government failed to connect with the people. Instead of providing “Strong and Stable” government, PM’s favoured slogan, the response was “Weak and Wobbly” at best.
London boroughs in unison, offered to take in 500 Syrian refugee families. So it should not be unsurmountable problem to rehouse 150 tormented families instantly, especially those with children and elderly who are sleeping rough. It is time to show “Charity begins at Home!”
Kumudini Valambia
By email
