New Delhi, Sep 21: Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell has expressed concerns over the Games Village preparation, saying that the condition of the residential zone there has "shocked" many contingents.
"The condition of the residential zone has shocked the majority," Fennell wrote in a letter to Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrashekar.
With just 12 days to go for the sporting extravaganza, the Federation chief has expressed doubts over the state of the Games village which he said has been "seriously compromised". "The Village is the cornerstone of any Games and the athletes deserve the best possible environment to prepare for their competition."
Fennel's comments came after New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland have objected strongly to the condition of the accommodation given to them in the Village. The contingent had said that the living conditions "unlivable" and had asked the Games organising committee to put their officials and athletes in hotels if they could not set apartments right.
Times of India report says, New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland have objected strongly to the condition of the accommodation given to them, say highly placed sources. The reason - lack of maintenance of apartments in the towers allotted to these teams and their abysmal, "unliveable" condition, say team delegates. Toilets in particular are said to be in a "mess".
Sources said the apartments, which are left unlocked through the day and night, were found to be dirty. In some flats, labourers had defecated. In others, fixtures and other facilities were still to be provided. Though athletes are to start moving in after September 23, work in just 18 of the 34 towers is said to be complete. The advance teams are reportedly of the view that the remaining work is not likely to get over for weeks.
The delegates are learnt to have told the OC that unless the apartments are set right, their teams should be put up in a Games Family hotel - the Ashoka or Janpath - or some other accommodation. This could add to the OC's logistical problems.
1. Condition of Games Village has prompted delegates from New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland to issue ultimatum to OC
2. Apartments in towers allotted to these countries, especially Kiwis, filthy.
4. Site workers have been using the unlocked flats.
5. Toilets are stained, fixtures haven't been installed, don't work or are broken
6. Size of contingent: Canada 400, New Zealand 325, Scotland 300
7. Those happy with Village: Australia, England.
