Currie: CWG could be called off

[Spring Onion]

Games Village 'unfit for humans': Scottish team

AFP, Sep 21, 2010, 03.51pm IST

LONDON: Scottish team officials joined the chorus of condemnation surrounding accommodation for athletes in Delhi on Tuesday, decrying the Commonwealth Games village as "unsafe and unfit for human habitation."

Team Scotland were reallocated accommodation after lodging a complaint with Games organisers last week but have revealed that even their new quarters required "serious cleaning" -- which they ended up performing themselves.

Although the Scots said in a statement they were still planning to participate in Delhi, officials warned they "will not compromise on issues of health, safety and security."

"The athletes' village is not only at the heart of any Commonwealth Games, but is fundamental to the staging of the event," the statement read.

"However on arrival in Delhi on Thursday last week, Team Scotland officials found that building works had fallen seriously behind schedule and that its allocated accommodation blocks were far from finished and in their view, unsafe and unfit for human habitation."

After being allocated new quarters, Scottish team officials themselves took charge of bringing the facilities up to required standards, the statement revealed.

"After representation to the organising committee (OC), Scotland was reallocated finished accommodation, but which still required serious cleaning and maintenance to bring it up to the necessary Games ready standards.

"This has now been largely addressed by the Scotland team management, cleaning the seven-story tower block from top to bottom themselves with assistance from Delhi Games volunteers," it read.

Officials noted however that several other blocks in the village remained "in a highly unsatisfactory state."

Up to 7,000 athletes and officials are expected in New Delhi for the October 3-14 multi-sport event which brings together countries and territories of the former British empire.

Read more: Games Village 'unfit for humans': Scottish team - The Times of India Games Village 'unfit for humans': Scottish team - The Times of India

 

[Trisonics]

Let me post a comment from the same Blog


Gareth Cooke | July 16 9:38pm | Permalink
| Options

Lets be honest Gideon this one is tough one,Pakistan on one side,Afghanistan on the other and who is saying just going to be a Muslim terrorist,

There fractions of Hindu terrorists and Maoist as well,A ex college who now works in the F and C have said the biggest worry is how seriously the Indian government looked at terrorism before them awful MUMBAI attacks,Some how he has said they now do,If you remember the attack on the Parliament a few years ago,I would believe that they have overhauled there anti terror police and Intel gathering since mumbai,Any country is a target when there a large event like the games,"2012 will be London's turn with out the terror.

I can paste a counter comment to that but the reality is if there was a terror attack Pakistan's hand will come under the world's radar. While it may make you immensely happy which was so evident in your "hehehe" that you failed to hide in your hastily written comment the truth is the terror attack is real. Instead of feeling happy about it please just stick to the topic of criticizing the current security apparatus..Thanks!

 

[Crypto]

Sanjoy Majumder explains the problems with the athletes' village
The Commonwealth Games Federation head has demanded the Indian government take immediate steps to improve conditions at the athletes' village in Delhi.

Team delegates have described the accommodation as ******, unhygienic and unfit for human habitation.

But organisers of the event, which runs from 3 to 14 October, said the facilities would be excellent.

Meanwhile, police said 23 labourers were injured as a bridge being built near the main Games venue collapsed.

Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote

Clearly, the 'Indian way' hasn't worked - and the Games are turning out to be India's bonfire of vanities”

Soutik Biswas
BBC Delhi online correspondent
Read Soutik's blog
Delhi loses patience
Read your comments
It is the latest setback to an event plagued by construction delays, allegations of corruption and a dengue fever outbreak in the Indian capital.

New Zealand, Scotland, Canada and Northern Ireland have demanded their teams be put up in hotels if their accommodation is not ready.

Michael Fennell, the Commonwealth Games Federation president, said he had written to the Indian cabinet secretary urging immediate action.

He said "many issues remain unresolved" and the athletes' village was "seriously compromised".

Although team officials had been impressed with the international zone and main dining area, he continued, they had been "shocked" by the state of the accommodation itself.

"The village is the cornerstone of any Games and the athletes deserve the best possible environment to prepare for their competition," Mr Fennell added.

Indian media is reporting that only 18 of 34 residential towers at the village are complete.



Click to play

Click to play

The overhead bridge was to connect the car park with the main stadium
Two days before the village officially opens to the first of 7,000 athletes and officials, New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie suggested the Games might even be cancelled.

He said toilets in the accommodation were leaking and did not flush, and there were piles of building debris in bathrooms.

Mr Currie told New Zealand commercial radio on Tuesday: "If the village is not ready and athletes can't come, obviously the implications of that are that it's not going to happen.

"It's pretty grim really and certainly disappointing when you consider the amount of time they had to prepare."

Continue reading the main story
Analysis


Sanjoy Majumder
BBC News, Delhi
The Games village - made up of several blocks of high-rise luxury flats for the athletes who are due to begin arriving on Friday - was meant to be the event's showpiece.

The chief of the organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi, had said it would be better than the village at the Beijing Olympics.

Now his words are coming back to haunt him. Advance teams have described the state of the flats as shocking.

The village itself has been built on the banks of the Yamuna river. Just outside it are pools of green, stagnant water left over from flooding after Delhi's worst monsoon in three decades.

It's a breeding ground for mosquitoes and has raised fears of disease - there have been nearly 100 cases of dengue fever over the past month.

The organisers now certainly have their work cut out.

Team Scotland said in a statement that on arrival in Delhi last week their officials found "its allocated accommodation blocks were far from finished and in their view, unsafe and unfit for human habitation".

Commonwealth Games England called for "urgent" work on the facilities, raising concerns about "plumbing, electrical and other operational details".

Australia's chef de mission, retired marathon runner Steve Moneghetti, said in Melbourne the hosts "have got two days to do what's probably going to take about two weeks".

As the row unfolded, 23 construction workers were injured, five seriously, as an elevated footbridge gave way near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, police said.

It is not clear what caused the collapse of the walkway, which was being built to link a car park to the arena, where the Games opening ceremony is to take place.

Delhi government's Chief Secretary, Rakesh Mehta, told Indian TV the bridge was cemented earlier on Tuesday.

Lalit Bhanot, secretary general of the organising committee, said in a news conference that the athletes' accommodation needed a "deep cleaning", but everything would be ready on time.

Continue reading the main story
2010 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

It is the first time India has hosted the Commonwealth Games
7,000 athletes and officials from more than 70 Commonwealth teams competing in 260 events in 17 disciplines
Opening ceremony on 3 October at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
"According to us the room may be clean, but the foreign officials may require a certain standard of cleanliness and hygiene which may differ from our standards," he said.

"We are on the job and everyone is working day and night."

He added: "All other things and all other venues are ready and in the best of condition to conduct these events."

There have also been safety concerns surrounding the Games, heightened on the weekend when gunmen shot and wounded two tourists near Delhi's Jama Masjid, one of India's biggest mosques.

 

[hecj]

I dont comment on if CWGs will be a success or a failure BUT one thing is certain that Indians play some pathetic tricks for getting world attention and in between making themselves a laughing stuff

just by organizers,hope for its success.

 

[Gazzi]

BBC News - Delhi loses patience with Commonwealth Games

----------------------

By staging the Commonwealth Games successfully in its capital, India wanted to announce to the world that it was an emerging superpower.

But the run-up to the Games has been a huge public relations disaster.

Delhi was told it would be "world-class" by 2010.

But the Games start in just over a month and the city is nowhere near ready.

Deadlines missed

The Games village where athletes and officials are going to stay still needs lots of work.

Many of the stadiums are still being renovated. At least one - Shivaji Stadium - is no longer a venue because the authorities admitted it would not be ready in time.

Even ticket sales have been delayed.

And the city looks as if it has been bashed up physically - many roads are dug up, others have massive craters and potholes.

Pavements - which were broken up with the promise that new ones would be laid soon - are still unwalkable.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit and Suresh Kalmadi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit (left) is now seeking divine intervention

In many areas, shops, restaurants and businesses complain they are losing out on trade.

And unusually heavy monsoon rains have further delayed the work, adding to the misery.

The deadline for Delhi to be Games-ready was initially 31 March. After several extensions - first to 30 June, then to 31 July, then 31 August - it is now mid-September.

The authorities, however, insist that the Games will be a resounding success and everything will be in place when the curtain goes up on 3 October.

But as deadline after deadline falls by the wayside, people in Delhi seem to be losing patience.

"The Games were awarded in 2003, so work should have been completed by 2008. That would have given them two years to test the facilities," says Delhi-based architect and author Gautam Bhatia.

"Anywhere else, even a delay of a day or two would have been taken seriously, but I'm quite amazed by the casual attitude of the officials here."

Worth it?

A whopping $2.35bn (£1.5bn) is being spent on the Games but the city has been "a dismal showcase" for it, he says.

"The quality of a lot of the work is second-rate. Millions of dollars have been spent on each stadium, but if you look at the quality and the workmanship, you wonder whether it's worth it.

"We have to see the amount we spent and what we got for it," he says.
Games project Many projects are way behind schedule

The answer to that many would say is - not much.

Each day brings with it fresh reports of corruption and problems at newly-renovated stadiums and other sports facilities.

Recent floods at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium damaged parts of the athletics track, sending workers scurrying back in to fix it.

"What are we getting for the cost?" asks Rajesh Kalra, editor-in-chief of the Times of India website.

"Leaking roofs, shoddy finish, already crumbling concrete, faulty drainage, inferior seats and inadequate lighting that needs to be changed to allow for high-definition telecast."

Mr Kalra says the taxpayer is being defrauded in the name of the Games: "What should have cost X is costing 10X, and what should last years will last a fraction."

'National shame'

There appears little popular support for the Games. Some have even called for the event to be abandoned.

"The goal of portraying Delhi as a world-class city and an international sports destination has led the Indian government to lose sight of its priorities and legal and moral commitments to its people," says Miloon Kothari, former UN special rapporteur on adequate housing, who heads a group called the Housing and Land Rights Network.

A recent report by his group says the high expenses of the Games are likely to create "a negative financial legacy for the country".

The Games budget has risen from an initial projection of $405m to $2.35bn today. Experts say when the final expenses on infrastructure, security and other projects are tallied it will be much more, perhaps as high as $15bn.
Miloon Kothari Mr Kothari wants the Games to be called off

Mr Kothari questions the rationale behind spending so much money on a one-off sporting event.

"When one in three Indians lives below the poverty line and 40% of the hungry live in India, when 46% of India's children and 55% of women are malnourished, does spending billions of dollars on a 12-day sports event build national pride or is it a matter of national shame?" he asks.

The Games were meant to instil a sense of pride in Delhi, but many fed-up citizens are threatening to leave the city or take no part in the event.

Even former sports minister Mani Shankar Aiyar says the Games are "evil" and he is "getting the hell out of the country" to avoid them.

College student Aditya Narayan says the event is a "sham" and blames Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit.

"She said it would be the best the world has seen. But she has made a joke of our country."

With time fast running out, Mrs Dixit is seeking divine intervention.

"It appears that Lord Indra [the rain god] is unhappy with us," she said at the weekend.

"I will appeal to him to bring some sunshine. If the rain stops and sun comes out, we will be able to complete the work by 10-15 September. Otherwise we will have to extend the deadline.

"By the grace of god, we will be able to finish everything by 3 October."

If that does not happen, Delhi and India could be facing major embarrassment.

------------------------

OK.................Well I suppose we can always blame God for it then huh!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[karan.1970]

God this CWG thing is worse than I expected. I am really unsure now if things will pull through and if it doesn't, it will be international news for days (or worse an attack happens during the games...)

International opinion of India will goes through the floor and the effect these things can have on FDI will be dramatic.

I dont think Mumbai had any lasting or significant impact on FDI in India. The world today understands that terrorists can attack anywhere. If they can do USA and UK with a every week incident in Pakistan, then 100% assurance to prevent a suicide blast is impossible. However, an attack during CWG (if it happens) will create a worse situation for Pakistan.. Rightfully or not, every time there is a terror incident in the world, every eye looks with suspicion towards Pakistan.

So in my view, an attack during CWG has more probability of damage for Pakistan than India..

just my 2 cents.

 

[karan.1970]

------------------------

OK.................Well I suppose we can always blame God for it then huh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Pakistan can blame India and even US (HAARP or what not) for floods in their country.. We can atleast blame God for rains in ours..eh?

 

[Spring Onion]

CWG yet to get terror cover for athletes, officials



NEW DELHI: The organisers of the Commonwealth Games are yet to obtain a terror insurance cover for the 9,000 athletes, Games staff and officials for the sporting event which is barely a fortnight away.

Insurance broker Trinity Group, which has to arrange for insurance cover of the CWG, said that the reinsurer Llyod's Syndicate yesterday withdrew from covering any losses arising out of a terror attack during the Games.

"The reinsurer withdrew the terror cover to the Games. Right now there is no event-cancellation cover due to natural calamity, as we will have to renegotiate terms with the reinsurer to work out a new policy," Trinity Group vice-chairman Akhilesh Jain said.

The withdrawal came a day after terror strike on Taiwanese media person near Jama Masjid. Terror groups claiming to be behind the attack have also threatened to disrupt the Games.

The CWG Organising Committee had sought a hefty insurance cover of about Rs 750 crore in the event of cancellation of the sporting extravaganza.

The insurance cover would have compensated for any loss arising from cancellation due to a natural calamity, like earthquake, floods or riot, and terror attacks.

Of all the four PSU general insurers, Oriental Insurance Company was the lowest bidder for providing the insurance cover to the CWG.

An event of such a magnitude requires a reinsurance firm to support the insurance company. The CWG organising committee was to pay a premium of Rs 26 crore for the insurance cover, which is much higher than the amount that was charged for many other mega sporting events in the country.

According to industry sources, increased uncertainty surrounding the CWG was the main reason for such a high insurance premium.

The premium cover of Rs 26 crore, which was to be paid by the OC of the CWG was higher than other games as there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the event.

The Board of Control of Cricket in India had paid a premium of over Rs 1 crore to get a cancellation cover of Rs 250 crore for Champion's League T 20 tournament. Also for Indian Premier League 3, the board paid about Rs 4 crore for a sum assured of Rs 480 crore.

This cancellation cover is apart from the Rs 500 crore insurance cover already finalised by the OC for athletes, CWG staff and technical officials, spectators and volunteers during the Games.

The comprehensive cover is expected to insure about 9,000 people, including athletes, Games staff and officials.

Read more: CWG yet to get terror cover for athletes, officials - The Times of India CWG yet to get terror cover for athletes, officials - The Times of India

 

[Gazzi]

Well apparantly the Aussie discus champion Dani Samuel has refused to go to the CWG in Delhi citing security fears.............

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

Well apparantly the Aussie discus champion Dani Samuel has refused to go to the CWG in Delhi citing security fears.............

well! I guess we can use Karan's logic and blame Pakistan for this most unfortunate development

 

[Gazzi]

well! I guess we can use Karan's logic and blame Pakistan for this most unfortunate development

Worst of all is that Dani Samuel is not to blame and she will lose her chance to perform in these games now over a very legitimate and genuine she has and is entitled to raise..........

She must be compensated somehow for this loss.

 

[TATA]

Jalnewale jalenge Indians aish karenge.

No need to reply to trolls, all izz well.

Come and see CWG in Oct.

 

[kingdurgaking]

CWG yet to get terror cover for athletes, officials



NEW DELHI: The organisers of the Commonwealth Games are yet to obtain a terror insurance cover for the 9,000 athletes, Games staff and officials for the sporting event which is barely a fortnight away.

Insurance broker Trinity Group, which has to arrange for insurance cover of the CWG, said that the reinsurer Llyod's Syndicate yesterday withdrew from covering any losses arising out of a terror attack during the Games.

"The reinsurer withdrew the terror cover to the Games. Right now there is no event-cancellation cover due to natural calamity, as we will have to renegotiate terms with the reinsurer to work out a new policy," Trinity Group vice-chairman Akhilesh Jain said.

The withdrawal came a day after terror strike on Taiwanese media person near Jama Masjid. Terror groups claiming to be behind the attack have also threatened to disrupt the Games.

The CWG Organising Committee had sought a hefty insurance cover of about Rs 750 crore in the event of cancellation of the sporting extravaganza.

The insurance cover would have compensated for any loss arising from cancellation due to a natural calamity, like earthquake, floods or riot, and terror attacks.

Of all the four PSU general insurers, Oriental Insurance Company was the lowest bidder for providing the insurance cover to the CWG.

An event of such a magnitude requires a reinsurance firm to support the insurance company. The CWG organising committee was to pay a premium of Rs 26 crore for the insurance cover, which is much higher than the amount that was charged for many other mega sporting events in the country.

According to industry sources, increased uncertainty surrounding the CWG was the main reason for such a high insurance premium.

The premium cover of Rs 26 crore, which was to be paid by the OC of the CWG was higher than other games as there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the event.

The Board of Control of Cricket in India had paid a premium of over Rs 1 crore to get a cancellation cover of Rs 250 crore for Champion's League T 20 tournament. Also for Indian Premier League 3, the board paid about Rs 4 crore for a sum assured of Rs 480 crore.

This cancellation cover is apart from the Rs 500 crore insurance cover already finalised by the OC for athletes, CWG staff and technical officials, spectators and volunteers during the Games.

The comprehensive cover is expected to insure about 9,000 people, including athletes, Games staff and officials.

Read more: CWG yet to get terror cover for athletes, officials - The Times of India CWG yet to get terror cover for athletes, officials - The Times of India

Jana ji... Thanks for educating us... i can see your concern... safety, security, food , shelter for players.. very valid one... why dont you write to CWG board and ask them to stop this dangerous & worthless game once and for all... Any way dropping an email to them is not going to cost you anything.. it will be like almost free for you.. By this you could get 2 mangoes in one stone..

1) You can make our politicians bow in shame.
2) You will save lot of players life..

what do you say??

Hey this is not personal attack oke.. This is just a suggestion

 

[Gazzi]

Jana ji... Thanks for educating us... i can see your concern... safety, security, food , shelter for players.. very valid one... why dont you write to CWG board and ask them to stop this dangerous & worthless game once and for all... Any way dropping an email to them is not going to cost you anything.. it will be like almost free for you.. By this you could get 2 mangoes in one stone..

1) You can make our politicians bow in shame.
2) You will save lot of players life..

what do you say??

Hey this is not personal attack oke.. This is just a suggestion

Please point out where in your above statement does it in any way move tis thread forward from its topic........

All you have done is raised a stupid rant which is typical of you.......please lay some proper debate or go away

 

[Spring Onion]

Jalnewale jalenge Indians aish karenge.

No need to reply to trolls, all izz well.

Come and see CWG in Oct.

Currie is a troll ??

Australians, Kewies and others who are terming your WORLD CLASS village for CWGs as pathetic, are they trolls

Seriously bhartis need to come out of their phobia and give it a serious thought every time getting on fire because foreigners pointed out that this Indian World class village is not suitable for human living, is not a good attitude.

put some water on your fire