Rio Olympics: Why Hosting 2016 Games in Brazil is a Bad Idea
The Rio Olympics also face a major threat from Zika virus, cited as a reason by several sporting icons for pulling out of this quadrennial sporting event. Massive delays in completing projects have done no good to the South American nation
Highlights
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As per a Harvard study, street thefts in Brazil increased a 25-year high
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Zika virus triggered withdrawal by top ranked golfers from Olympics
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Financial collapse, street crimes and project delays adding to woes
Despite a lot of delays, controversies and political fights, Brazil did manage to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Two years later, the South American nation is on the verge of a financial collapse as it prepares to host the Olympics on the back of an already ailing economy. And that's not their only worry, here are top five reasons why hosting the biggest show on earth in Brazil isn't a great idea.
Crime issues: The biggest issue is the safety and security of the 15,000 athletes, 45,000 volunteers and over a million visitors. According to a report, incidents of street thefts have reached a 25-year high. The government has increased police presence around the venues over the last one year, but that fails to have any effect on the rising thefts.
Zika scare: The Zika Virus has ensured that many global superstars have pulled out of the games. A study from the Harvard University has termed Zika an international threat and advised that the games be called off. Top athletes from almost every discipline including the top four ranked golfers have pulled out of the games due to health concerns.
Politics and Corruption: It is not just a struggling economy that is affecting the preparations. Political instability is one of the biggest reasons why Rio is behind schedule. Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff, who is also a renowned economist, was stripped off her powers in May this year for allegedly manipulating national budgets.
Massive delays in project completion: The water and electricity supply to the Rio Olympic stadium were cut-off early this year due to unpaid bills and massive construction delay. All the facilities are nearing completion but the delay has ensured that the budget of the Games has ballooned up from USD 7 billion-13 billion(Rs 4000 crores).
Water woes: Brazil is suffering from its worst drought in over 40 years and the existing resources have been termed unfit for use. The Guanabara Bay, venue for the sailing and windsurfing events has been called unsafe by marine biologists due to water pollution. Interestingly, Rio's Olympic bid in 2007 included a promise to clean the Guanabara Bay but the state sponsored clean-up project has achieved just 49 per cent of that target.