Australia is refusing to move its athletes into the Olympic Village in Rio because of concerns about the state of the accommodation.
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Among the problems outlined by AOC chef de mission Kitty Chiller were serious electrical and sanitary problems, including blocked toilets, exposed wiring and water running down the walls of some apartments.
“There are lights, beds, air conditioning, but we still lack a few details”, the source said on condition of anonymity.
“The system failed. Water came down walls, there was a strong smell of gas in some apartments and there was “shorting” in the electrical wiring”, she said.
According to reports New Zealand and Great Britain, among others, are experiencing similar issues in their accommodation.
Chiller said she would reassess the situation at the Village after further tests on plumbing and fire safety, but cautioned that “there is much work to be done”.
The Australian Olympic team refused to move in to Rio de Janeiro’s village for athletes on Sunday, saying the accommodation was “not safe or ready” for next month’s games. Some sports fans have complained that the athletes should not spend extra money living in hotels and should just be “polite guests” but others believe that the athletes should be given the best to get the desired results.
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“Adjustments that have to be made will be made, and we will have the appropriate structure”, Paes told reporters in Brazil.
But during the games, the Brazilian government said 47,000 police officers and 38,000 soldiers will be on patrol in Rio – twice the size of the security force at the 2012 London Olympics.
“As is the case with every Games, we’re working with the local organisers to address minor issues and make sure the village is ready for Team USA athletes”, said USOC in a statement.
The Olympic Games – the first to be held in South America – are to open on August 5, less than two weeks away.
Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes took a shot at the Australians at the opening on Sunday.
“We will be working hard to ensure that the ongoing works do not disturb their preparations for the Games – preparations that will be taking place in fully checked, top quality training venues”. He said 500 workers have been tasked with tackling the faults.
Armed guards on site around the Olympic Village. “I nearly feel like putting a kangaroo in front of their building to make them feel at home”. “Our team has had to get stuck in to get the job done”, he said in a statement.
The Football Ferns have already touched down in Brazil and are the first Kiwis to check into the Olympic Village.
“We were disappointed the village wasn’t as ready as it might have been when we arrived and it hasn’t been easy”, the Sydney Olympics rowing champion said.
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“All is good, few finishing touches still to be made, but when you arrive at 5am on opening day you can’t expect it to be flawless”.
