Athens Olympic organisers were expected to begin assembling the much-delayed roof over the main Olympic stadium on Monday as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) begins its final inspection of the city.
Officials have been warned by the IOC to begin sliding the first of two arches that will hold the 18 000-ton roof by May 20 or scrap the €150-million project altogether. Reports said work on the white steel structure has entered a critical phase because of the extreme size of the arches and the weight of the roof.
The three-day visit by IOC officials will cover all outstanding issues concerning preparations of the August 13 to 29 Games. The IOC is expected to leave Athens with concrete proof that the troubled Santiago Calatrava-designed roof; two transport systems, namely the tram and suburban rail lines; and other projects are finally on track.
The tram and suburban rail lines, which link the city with the international airport and the southern seaside Olympic sports venues, are still under construction, less than 100 days before the opening ceremony. — Sapa-DPA