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'Good response to the quality of food served at the Village'

Last updated on: September 30, 2010 12:38 IST

Canada's field hockey players Anna Kozniuk, Diana Roemer and Abigail Raye enjoy a day out at the Commonwealth Games Village

Commonwealth Games Village Mayor Dalbir Singh on Thursday claimed that about 4,000 athletes and delegates are living happily at the much-criticised residential blocks and there are no complaints related to cleanliness and hygiene anymore.

"Excellent arrangements have been made by authorities here. The Government is ensuring that athletes face no problem during their stay at the Village. They are happy," Singh said.

Over 4,000 athletes from about 50 nations have so far arrived at the Games Village and about 2,000 more are expected before the start of the mega-sporting event scheduled to commence on Sunday.

"There are world-class training venues for athletes to practice. All basic amenities are well taken care of. I have interacted with so many athletes and met Chefs de Mission of international teams and their staff. Nobody is complaining," he said.

"There is excellent food available as per their tastes. We have a grand kitchen to make sure that they get country-made food. The chefs here are doing a great job. Athletes, international delegates, High commissioners and Ambassadors of participating countries have also praised the quality of food here," he said.

'Disheartening to see reports alleging poor facilities'

Last updated on: September 30, 2010 12:38 IST

Langur monkeys sit on a pavement near Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi

Singh, a member of the Congress Party, however expressed unhappiness over the media reports highlighting the "negative aspects" of the Games Village.

"I am really disheartened to see media reports alleging poor facilities at the Village. What is more worrying is the fact that some of them have held me responsible for it. I have a constitutional post of a Mayor. I am nowhere involved in any construction work or maintenance job," a disappointed Singh clarified.

"There are authorities like the DDA, MCD and others senior officials from the government who are supervising the construction and maintenance. They are responsible for whatever little remaining work needs to be done at the Village," Singh said.

The Mayor said that Games will be successful.

The sprawling Games Village is spread over an area of 63.5 hectares and has a total of 34 residential towers, with 1,168 apartments comprising 4,008 bedrooms to house the athletes and team officials besides.A