Hectic preparation continues …
DELHI, India (CMC) – A relieved Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell arrived here late Thursday to news that improvements had been made to the problem-plagued Games Village and that major contingents still planned to travel for the 19th edition of the showpiece. Fennell was scheduled to spend yesterday meeting with leading officials from countries already here for the Games, and he was also expected to receive a detailed briefing from CGF staff.
He was to also tour the controversial Village which made headlines earlier this week after it emerged that conditions there were unsuitable for living.
“It is good to be in Delhi, and the briefing I received from my CEO Mike Hooper … was that considerable improvements have been made within the Village, with further significant resources deployed by Delhi Chief Minister, Mrs Dikshit, to make good what was a concerning situation,” Mr Fennell said.
“I am looking forward to spending the morning with my colleagues from the Commonwealth Games movement and evaluating the situation with all the key stakeholders.
“I am certainly pleased to arrive in Delhi with the news that Australia has moved into the Village to get ready for the arrival of their athletes, and with the confirmation late Thursday that England and Wales will be on their way to Delhi shortly.
“Already so many athletes from around the Commonwealth have started their journey to Delhi.”
A huge shadow of doubt was cast over the Games on Monday with reports the Athletes’ Village was “filthy” and in no condition to be used. Toilets were not working, there was no electricity and security remained a serious issue.
On Tuesday, an already bad situation was compounded when a footbridge leading to the main venue, the Nehru Stadium, collapsed injuring 23 construction workers.
Since then, several countries have expressed concern over their contingents travelling to the problem-plagued Games but Fennell said his task was now to ensure the event would open as planned on October 3.
“Our job across the next week is to help ensure that all the corrective work is completed in good time,” the Jamaican said.
“We must ensure that a suitable environment is provided to ensure the welfare of the athletes and their support staff.
“It is vital that all remedial work that has already started continues with the greatest urgency.”