New Zealand satisfied with Rio Village after remedial work

Italy’s team leader Carlo Mornati said on Sunday some parts of the village were not ready to host athletes when it opened for business on Sunday.

“Among the unfinished areas are a few apartments in block 20, the one to be used by Italy, and we have had to hire laborers, electricians, plumbers and bricklayers over the last few days so that the athletes’ accommodation can be brought up to normal conditions as soon as possible,” the Chef de Mission said in a statement.

‘TEETHING TROUBLES’

The newly-built village will host more than 18,000 athletes, officials, staff and volunteers in 31 buildings and more than 3,600 apartments over the Aug. 5-21 Olympics and Sept. 7-18 Paralympics.

Organizers have conceded there have been “teething troubles” and promised that crews would be “working 24 hours a day until the issues are resolved”.

Australia’s Chiller cited problems including “blocked toilets, leaking pipes and exposed wiring.” Some apartments had water running down the walls and “a strong smell of gas,” while stairwells were unlit and floors were in need of a thorough clean.

The Australians are hoping to move athletes into the village on Wednesday.

London Olympics rowing champion Mahe Drysdale was the first New Zealand athlete to arrive in the village on Sunday and declared himself pleased with the standard of accommodation.

“We are in Rio! Already taken ownership of the Village being the very first Athlete from any country to arrive and get through the gates!” Drysdale wrote on his Instagram account.

“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 perfect. Next stop the Rowing Venue.”

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury,- Editing by Nick Mulvenney)