Rooms are still 'unliveable': Botswana Chef de Mission

"There are lot of construction materials lying in our rooms. Besides filthy bed sheets, bathroom fittings do not work. They are not clean. It is unliveable for our athletes," Chef De Mission of Boltswana Tuelo Daniel Seruftho told PTI.

He further added lot needs to be done to make residential complexes fit for staying.
"We are co-ordinating with Commonwealth Games Organising Committee officials and efforts are on to put things in order," the official said.

However, he appreciated the international zone at the Games Village. "It is nicely constructed and managed. Except for rooms, everything else is good. The food is awesome," he said.

To a question, whether the country will pull out from the Commonwealth Games, in case the problem persists, he said, "We are now not looking at it. Let us see. Our athletes will be here by Tuesday. They will stay here only when rooms are ready. In case, it s not, then we will arrange their accommodation in hotels.

"About 31 athletes from the African nation will be arriving in here in two batches --- tomorrow and the day after.

Other nations too have complained of filthiness and unhygienic at the residential pockets meant for athletes and other international delegates.

“There are some problems with the rooms. Some of them are dirty. We have asked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to look into. Hope they do it,” said Jackie Desouza, Press Attache, Canadian High Commission here.

“We have 383 people coming, including 285 athletes. If rooms are not cleaned then we may have to look for some alternatives,” she said.

However, Commonwealth Games Organising officials dismissed those allegations and claimed that everything is in order.

“All things here is in order. We have received complaints related to lack of cleanliness from  certain blocks which are being looked into. Our men are involved in the job and it will be done soon," said Dalbir Singh, Mayor of Commonwealth Games Village.

A total of 71 nations are participating in the fortnight-long mega sporting event scheduled to begin from October 3.