CWG mess: NZ delay departure, mulls Singapore as base

"Tremendously disappointed" with the state of the Commonwealth Games Village, the New Zealand contingent today 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."