SA High Commissioner now happy with Games Village facilities

South African High Commissioner Harris Mbulelo Mejeke, who created a sensation by claiming that a snake was found inside his country's residential block at the CWG Village, now says that facilities have improved and are "unlike" what he saw during his previous visit. Finally, there's a buzz in village | See cartoon

South African High Commissioner Harris Mbulelo Mejeke, who created a sensation by claiming that a snake was found inside his country's residential block at the Commonwealth Games Village, now says that facilities have improved and are "unlike" what he saw during his previous visit.

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Mejeke, who had claimed that a snake was found in a room in the residential tower earmarked for the South African athletes, has stated that the conditions have changed for the better now.

"All I am saying is that people who are preparing our athletes area are doing a great work and we are impressed and it is unlike what I saw yesterday," Mjeke told reporters late last night after visiting the Village.

Before going into the Village last evening, Mjeke had also stated that the athletes "can't go and stay till things are fixed up as they had very grave concerns."

"Yesterday we found a snake but I don't know whether it was an Indian snake. But it was there in one of our rooms. That was a threat to the lives of our athletes. Very disappointing. Basically, the basement was full of water and the staircase was also damp," he had said.

But after coming out, Mjeke said the organisers have taken note of all the South African grievances.

"Everything has been addressed. They are finishing up and very soon everything would be alright. I am really hopeful that we will finally move into the Village. They (the organisers) are working very seriously," he said.

The Games Village has already come in for sharp criticism for what some delegates have termed as unhygienic conditions.