In Grindavík, demolition has begun on up to twenty unusable houses located on or near fissure zones following earthquakes. A construction company manager states that although this is painful, it is necessary for reconstruction. Many houses on Víkurbraut, where one of the largest fissures is located, are considered unusable as residents were unable to salvage their belongings. The new mayor, Pétur G. Markan, who takes office next week, views fissure filling and reconstruction as the greatest challenges, with the goal of allowing people to return home. The real estate company Þórkatla, which has purchased the houses, intends to limit overnight stays in rebuilt houses to 12 months starting in September, a move that has caused dissatisfaction among residents.