Minor hiccups, Games will be very successful: Jaipal Reddy

Published>Tue, Sep 21 10 07:07 PM

New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Brushing aside concerns over preparedness for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games, India's Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy described them as 'minor hiccups' and stated that the Games would be 'very successful'.

'I am not worried at all. I am confident and cool about organising of the Games. We will have a very successful Games,' Reddy told reporters here, answering queries on whether he was worried about the Games' preparedness with just 12 days to go for the mega event.

His comments came on the day Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Michael Fennell said parts of the Games Village were still not fit for accommodation. Concerns have also been raised by contingents from Canada, New Zealand and Scotland about the state of the village.

Reddy, who also heads the Group of Ministers (GoM) on CWG, said they 'cannot change horses mid way' and the Indian government was supporting the mega event.

'Government of India is lending all support,' said Reddy on being asked about the remarks of Mike Hooper, CGF chief executive, that he was disappointed over the state of cleanliness at the Games Village.

Hooper had described the conditions there as 'filthy' and had sought the direct intervention of the Indian government so as to provide maximum resources to fix the problems.

'There is no point in changing horses mid way. The Indian government is giving its support,' Reddy added.

The minister, however, said he would not be able to comment about the collapse of a foot over-bridge near Jawaharlal Nehru stadium Tuesday, injuring more than 20 labourers, five of them seriously.

Reddy also said there were concerns about 'cleanliness and maintenance'.

'Their concerns are about cleanliness and maintenance. They will be handled immediately. There is nothing to worry. There has been no complaint about the quality, but quality of services and maintenance. This problem will be handled urgently,' he said.

The minister also said that more labourers have been pressed into service, while some more have been roped in for cleanliness and maintenance.

Reddy also said that the concerned agencies and officials of the Games have addressed the concerns of the contingents.

'The concerned agencies have given explanations. As a minister it is not proper for me to react,' he added.

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