Commonwealth Games

Date: 3 October 2010 07:36

The Commonwealth Games are almost upon India and the news is anything
but positive. The athletes quarters dismally failed inspection. The
rooms were described as filthy and horrid. Street dogs had been found
sleeping in the newly bought beds. The government in retort decried
the different standards foreigners have. They are completely
acceptable by Indian standards they retorted.  Needless to say they
had clean up crews work nonstop to bring them up to foreign standards.

Footbridges across roads have fallen mid-construction injuring
workers. The government blames the heavy rain stating the foundations
are 100% stable and safe. Look at a road bridge and see the concrete
crumble back to re-bar on the railings and you may have a different
view.

Child labour has been used in buildings most of the facilities claim
human rights groups. It's just mom and dad bringing their 8 year old's
to help out.  They need the money after all and they are from the
countryside. There is simply no temporary school space in Delhi says
the government.

Another accusation is the costs entailed in building the facilities.
The costs are roughly what it costs most Western cities to host the
Olympics despite the low low cost of labour ($3 a day). All know the
bribes and kickbacks are where the money has gone. However in their
defense they do seem to be rebuilding all of New Delhi in preparation.
Unfortunately the Games start today and much of the building hasn't
finished yet. Once again the government came to the rescue promising
thousands of day passes to workers to continue working while the games
commence. This won't impact security they say.

The final nail in the coffin. A terrorist opened fire on a Taiwanese
tour bus outside a major tourist attraction in Delhi prompting many
countries to issue traveling warnings.

With all this news Indians are upbeat. All propaganda by saboteurs
they say. The Games are on time, on budget and Delhi is ready to
receive the world.

Anyone want tickets? Locals can't afford them and foreigners don't
seem to be purchasing them.

Tyson