'Conditions at CWG Village acceptable now'

In what would be music to ears of the Indian organisers, Australia's Commonwealth Games Association chief Perry Crosswhite said the condition of the Games Village is "acceptable" as of now and also confirmed arrival of their contingent for the Games.

The Games Village in East Delhi was hailed by Indian media following its soft opening but pilloried after visiting delegates revealed the "unlivable" and "filthy" conditions.

Crosswhite though said things are getting better.

"Conditions at the Commonwealth Games Village are acceptable. Things are getting better every time. The residential towers at the Village are improving. However, water at the basement inside the Village is a bit of a concern to us," he said at a media conference on Thursday.

"But Delhi CM has directed the concerned authorities to clean it up by tonight and we think the assurance given to us will be fulfilled," he said.

Crosswhite said they expected at least hygienic conditions if not five-star facilities at the Village.

"We have not asked for a five-star accommodation for the athletes. We just want hygienic and livable conditions," he added.

He also assured that Australian contingent would reach Delhi on September 27.

"I am very pleased with the Village as of now. And the Australian contingent will arrive in Delhi on September 27," said the Association chief executive.

Speaking about the security arrangements for the Games, Crosswhite said, "It's very tight and we are very closely monitoring the situation with the security agencies. We are on for the Games."

Cleanliness and maintenance of the Games Village has come under sharp criticism from foreign participants as well as Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Mike Hooper, who recently described the facility as "filthy and unimaginable".

Questions have also been raised about the security and spread of dengue fever. The collapse of the overbridge near the main venue made things worse as several top athletes opted out of the competition on health and security grounds.

Three countries -- Scotland, Canada and New Zealand -- have decided to review the situation and delayed their departure to Delhi.