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Since the start of the Federation Cup a test event for the Commonwealth Games, three days ago Sam Ramsamy, vice-president of the Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA), swimming's world governing body, has had to deal with a lot.
The South African ripped into the CPWD, which constructed the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Complex, for the several delays. "The organisation part is good. I must compliment the federation for their good work. But, unfortunately, I can't say the same for the construction work," Ramsamy said.
"The construction company has been misleading the Organising Committee. I have been misled too. I've been to India several times and had several meetings in the past. In the beginning, I used to take their assurances as genuine. But by March this year I became sceptical about the venue getting ready in time. Now, I am proven right," he said.
Ramsamy, who as a FINA delegate closely monitored the pace of work at the SPM Complex, expressed anger at the use of sub-standard material. "A lot of work is incomplete and some of it is not of high standard. It's not worrying for me, but should be a worry for owners of this facility," he said. Ramsamy went on to explain: "The tiling used in the pool is of inferior quality. This is supposed to be a new facility and already some of them have broken. Lot of improvement is needed as far as the diving facility is concerned."
High board events had to be cancelled because of incomplete platforms, while there are issues with the 3-metre springboards as well. "You need a proper surface for high board diving, but we did not have it here."
With only two of the four changing rooms functional, the FINA delegate wanted all the work to finish quickly. "Swimming is going to be the prime focus during CWG. All the top swimmers will be coming. Highest standard is required as far as officiating and conduct is concerned. Top-class swimmers will need top facilities," he said.
Ramsamy, also an executive board member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and member of London Olympics co-ordination commission, was surprised that most of the Games venues have been reconstructed. "This is unique for this Games only," he said. "I have never seen so many new venues for the Games. It pushes up the costs and also creates supervisory problems. Here, everything is new."
Ramsamy also raised concerns about overlay delays if the IOA gets the venues later than the end of August. "I've been told that the OC will not take possession of the venue till all work is complete. They should finish all work by August-end. Anything beyond that will spell trouble."
Games will be successful: PMPrime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed satisfaction over the preparations for the mega event and said it will be a successful one. "I reviewed the situation with Cabinet Secretary yesterday and I am satisfied that all necessary preparations will be in place by the deadline fixed," he said.
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