Melbourne, Aug 13 (IANS) Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite is satisfied with New Delhi’s preparations and security arrangements for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games, a media report Friday said.
With barely 50 days to go for the Games, the organisers have been rocked by charges of financial irregularites and unpreparedness, but Crosswhite, who has been a big critic of Delhi’s preparations in the past, is optimistic now.
‘The two issues we need to keep our eyes on are security and safety,’ Crosswhite was quoted as saying in Herald Sun Friday.
‘We sent out the latest security circulars (to athletes) last Friday and our main emphasis is to secure the airport, the venues, the village, the transport route and the hotels our people are staying at. At this stage we are satisfied, but it’s a watching brief.
‘India will be providing both armed guards and undercover guards on buses. We are allowed to have our own security as long as we accredit them.’
Crosswhite said no Australian athlete has withdrawn because of security fears, and believes if some venues still look shabby and unkempt, they will be completed on time and to standard.
‘No one has pulled out (through concerns) and that’s a credit to the coaches, federations and ourselves.’
Crosswhite is concerned by official reports of shoddy workmanship, but said internal briefings show the venues will be ready, and flaws corrected.
‘We want to be assured the venues are of a safe standard. One report said roads had been built with substandard materials. That can be fixed before the Games. There was a report a diver had fallen over a drain at the pool, but they just had not put the lid on the drain yet.
‘There were photos of venues (looking dilapidated) but I have seen the photos inside those venues, and they look really good. The inside is what is important.
‘But we do have to accept we are probably not going to have things which we would consider to be totally finished in this country.’
