IOC Pushes Rio 2016 to Speed Up Planning

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have warned Rio 2016 organisers to speed up operations surrounding the budgeting of the event.

Brazilian organizers have so far budgeted for 24 of the 52 projects that will be built for the Games and the cost is already at 44 percent of the original estimate.

The Coordination Commission for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games wrapped up its sixth visit to the Brazilian host city on 21st March with a clear message to the organisers that every second counts. 

With just over two years to go until the Games open on 5 August 2016, the Commission indicated that a constant, concerted and integrated effort is required for the successful delivery of the Games and their legacy.

The Commission acknowledged the progress made in a number of areas since its last visit in September 2013 and IOC President Bach’s visit in February 2014, such as the finalisation of the overall venue master plan, the validation of Rio 2016’s lifetime budget, and the integration of the federal government’s efforts under President Rousseff’s Chief of Staff, Aloizio Mercadante. 

A number of important decisions remain to be made, however. On 27 March, a crucial meeting between the federal authorities and key Games stakeholders will take place in Brasilia, where it is expected that the responsibilities for each Games-related project will be clarified, along with the associated funding, in order to avoid further significant delays in the delivery of the project. 

The Commission found out the delivery timelines of some of the venues for test events and the Games have faced delays, and now leave no margin for any further slippages. 

The Commission also praised the work of Rio 2016 and its partners to deliver a sustainable legacy from the Games. Public transport usage is expected to rise to 60 per cent by 2016, up from 12 per cent today; there will be a seven-fold increase in treated sewage around the Guanabara Bay by 2015; one million people will have the opportunity to learn English thanks to the Games; 75 new hotels are expected to be built, creating an estimated 11,000 new jobs; and numerous additional projects are already being organised by Rio 2016’s commercial partners. 

“The Rio 2016 Olympic Games have great potential for being a very exciting event which leaves many legacies,” said IOC Coordination Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakel. “But although progress is being made, each decision that is postponed and each subsequent delay will have a negative impact on delivery. Total focus and dedication are therefore required,” she continued. “The Olympic Movement stakeholders will continue to actively and constructively assist the organisers towards their short and long-term objectives.” 

The President of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, said: “We enter this crucial phase of our journey without a minute to lose, and certain that our partners in government share this vision”.

The Commission will return to Rio de Janeiro in September this year.

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