8 Sep 2010

ComGames venues passed for for use

7:43 am on 8 September 2010

All of the venues to be used at next month's Commonwealth Games in Delhi have been passed as fit for use.

It was feared that some events at the Games may have to be cancelled after organisers missed an August 31st completion deadline.

But the Commonwealth Games Federation received safety certificates for all venues on Monday.

Chief executive Mike Hooper says they can now focus with getting the overlay in place for the Games.

India's Development Minister Jaipal Reddy last month played down the significance of the hold-up, blaming monsoon rains in the Indian capital and a delay in the "delivery of containers".

Aside from the construction problems, the 19th Commonwealth Games has also been dogged by controversy over security and allegations of corruption.

Safety remains a major concern following a bomb blast at an Indian Premier League cricket match in Bangalore in April which injured 14 people.

In addition, a recent dengue fever outbreak in Delhi has caused a degree of alarm among the 71 nations taking part.

Up to 600 cases have been diagnosed, with two deaths reported.