September 04, 2024 - 315 views
As the Grenfell Inquiry publishes their findings, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, is deeply concerned that seven years after the tragedy, buildings in Wales are still awaiting the identification of necessary remediation work.
Following Grenfell, 4,600 buildings were identified across the UK as having cladding which was potentially unsafe. The latest government figures show 50% of these buildings have either had work to replace the cladding start or been completed – meaning over 2000 still remain at risk.
According to data disclosed this week by Jane Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning, currently in Wales, there are 238 buildings in the Welsh Government remediation programme. So far, 181 buildings have either had remediation work completed, are currently under construction, or have plans in development, pending surveys and the appointment of a contractor.
However, the Cabinet Secretary has stated: “We are working with the remaining 53 buildings to identify any remediation needs.”
Commenting on the news, Mrs. Finch-Saunders said: “Every day, residents from Conwy to Cardiff live in fear. The recent serious incident in Dagenham has only heightened this anxiety, and it is time that work to make buildings safe is expedited.
“However, here in Wales the situation is even more serious. It turns out that the Welsh Government remediation programme is still to conclude whether works are required on 53 high rise buildings.
“In short, we have residents in Wales living in apartments, in blocks, which are yet to be confirmed as either safe or dangerous. This is a major failure by the Welsh Government that could have serious consequences”.
Welsh Government has been asked for comment.
