May 10, 2010

Commonwealth Games venues in New Dehli face delays

NEW DELHI

The co-ordination commission of the Commonwealth Games Federation May 5 expressed serious concern over the delay in the delivery of the major sports venues for the games that get underway in the Indian capital in less than five months.

These venues include the athletics stadium, which is being upgraded to host the ceremonies as well, the swimming complex and the Games village.

“There remains much to be done to ensure readiness and a cohesive games delivery from the opening of the Games Village on Sept. 16,” the commission said in a statement.

The Games that feature 71 nations and territories of the old British empire are scheduled for Oct. 3-14. The missing of construction deadlines in the past have provoked criticism from the CGF and caused embarrassment for local organizers.

These delays have a knock-on effect and hamper the organizing committee’s planning and implementation for final overlay, staff training, rehearsal, and simulation, the statement said.

“It is imperative that everything be done to accelerate works and that the agencies responsible for venue delivery co-operate fully with the organizing committee to ensure the final planning for hand over and operations,” it said.

The commission said there has been progress in securing of Games accommodation requirements and in conducting eight test events.

The cash-strapped government is pumping in more money to the nearly US$3-billion event. In March, the national government announced it was lending the organizers an additional $150 million to pay for fixtures and equipment required at the venues.

Associated Press

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