Pollution is a real concern now for the Beijing Olympic
organizers but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) believed
it would turn for the better when the Games comes, said IOC member
Hein Verbruggen in Beijing on Wednesday.
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Verbruggen, who is chairman of the Coordination Commission for
the Beijing Games, said rapid economic growth brought additional
challenge to Beijing's environment, which could not be foreseen
seven years ago when Beijing was awarded the right to host the
Games.
"I must say the Chinese totally lived up to the 130 commitments
they made. They have achieved a lot improving the environment,"
Verbruggen told reporters at a news conference of the annual Sport
Accord convention.
"But nobody could have foreseen seven years ago economic growth
of double digit figures. Nobody could have seen the economic boost
would have led to some four, five or six thousand construction
sites," he said.
But Verbruggen said the Chinese capital were trying to solve the
problem before the Games that would open on Aug. 8 next year.
He said the Chinese government is taking measures like dust
control and closing down some factories which will undoubtedly
benefit their cause.
"We are very confident the air quality at test events and at the
time of the Games will be up to the levels that allow the athletes
to have the best performance," he concluded.
(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2007)