IOC concerns over Rio ability to build facilities

RIO DE JANEIRO - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed on Wednesday concern over Rio's ability to build all the facilities necessary for the 2016 Summer Olympics in time.

The urban infrastructure projects are already underway, as many will be used in the 2014 FIFA World Cup as well. However, the construction of facilities built specifically for the Olympics, such as the Olympic Park, need to start soon, IOC coordinator Nawal el Moutawakel said.

"The time left to deliver the facilities is getting short, and the amount of work to be done is significant," she said. "There are a number of Olympic facilities which need to be ready in time for test events."

The IOC also highlighted the importance of increasing the capacity of Rio's hotel network for the Games. The limited number of available hotel beds has been brought to light recently as the city got ready to host the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. Due to the shortness of available rooms, prices skyrocketed, prompting delegations to complain and even cancel their attendance to the summit.