Rio given US$850m to 'fix' Games problems

BTN News
Thursday, 23 June 2016

Brazil`s government has authorised an emergency fund of US$850 million to help Rio de Janeiro prepare for the Olympic Games, which open in August.


Rio expects about 500,000 foreign visitors during the Games.


The move followed a plea from Rio's governor, who declared a state of financial emergency and requested federal funds to meet public services requirements and avoid "a total collapse in public security, health, education, transport and environmental management".


Despite the concerns, the local organising committee for the Games says the state's fiscal situation does not impact the running of the Olympics.


As well as struggling to complete sporting and transport facilities ahead of the Games, the city has seen an increase in muggings and thefts, plus an outbreak of the Zika virus, which has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small heads.

Rio given US$850m to 'fix' Games problems

BTN News
Thursday, 23 June 2016

Brazil`s government has authorised an emergency fund of US$850 million to help Rio de Janeiro prepare for the Olympic Games, which open in August.


Rio expects about 500,000 foreign visitors during the Games.


The move followed a plea from Rio's governor, who declared a state of financial emergency and requested federal funds to meet public services requirements and avoid "a total collapse in public security, health, education, transport and environmental management".


Despite the concerns, the local organising committee for the Games says the state's fiscal situation does not impact the running of the Olympics.


As well as struggling to complete sporting and transport facilities ahead of the Games, the city has seen an increase in muggings and thefts, plus an outbreak of the Zika virus, which has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small heads.