NZ delay departure to Delhi, considering Singapore as base

Wellington, Sep 23 (PTI) "Tremendously disappointed" with
the state of the Commonwealth Games Village, the New Zealand
contingent Thursday delayed its departure to Delhi by two days
and could even base itself temporarily in Singapore if the
state of the athletes' accommodation does not improve.
After Scotland and Canada, New Zealand has become the
third participating nation to delay its departure to Delhi
after the Games' Village was dubbed "filthy and uninhabitable"
by their visiting delegates.
New Zealand Olympic Committee said the travel plans of
the team have been altered as there is a "long list of
outstanding issues".
"... the village will now not be ready for New Zealand
athletes to move in as planned," NZOC president Mike Stanley
was quoted as saying by 'The New Zealand Herald'.
"It is tremendously disappointing. We know how hard this
must be for athletes and we're continuing to push...for an
urgent resolution.
"This is not a matter of comfort or luxury; it's a matter
of hygiene and safety," he said.
Stanley and NZOC secretary general Barry Maister were in
Delhi to assess the conditions at the Games' village.
Singapore could be used as an alternate base for the
athletes if the facilities at the Games Village do not
improve.
"(Holding them) in Singapore is certainly a possibility,"
an NZOC spokesperson said.
"We have operations people looking at ways to manage the
flow of athletes into Delhi, whilst also monitoring progress
in the village."
Singapore recently hosted the Youth Olympics.
New Zealand's Chef de mission Dave Currie said a lot of
work needed to be completed.
"There is still a list of maintenance issues to be
addressed," he said.
"It's now up to the Commonwealth Games Federation and the
Organising Committee to show us they can ready the village in
time." PTI PM