Emergency repairs are needed at the Sydney Olympics swimming venue after engineers discovered at least six structural faults that threatened the safety of construction workers. An investigation into the site was ordered after more than 100 workers walked off the job two weeks ago because of concerns over the safety of a temporary stand being built at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre. Their fears were confirmed today with the release of an engineer's report, which found that the site was unsafe.
The report identified six separate areas of concern and recommended the immediate introduction of temporary bracing and other rectification work. A spokesman for the union, which represents the construction workers, said he welcomed the engineer's calls for improved safety standards at the site. "We have a duty to ensure workers were safe and we also have an international responsibility to those people coming to see our Olympic events, that the venue is safe", the spokesman said.
Local Olympic officials said they remained confident the site would be finished on schedule for the Australian National Swimming Championships in May. The Aquatic Centre will be used to host swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo events at the 2000 Olympics, which will start on the 15th September. The centre was opened in 1994 but an extra 12,000 seats are being added to the venue to increase the capacity to 17,500.
