The president of the Organizing Committee of the Pan American Games, Dr. Jos? Joaqu?n Puello, told El Caribe that all the facilities for the Pan American Games will be ready for inauguration by President Hip?lito Mej?a three to six weeks before the games begin. ?That means they will be ready on time,? he said, in reference to statements made by engineer Roque (Pol?n) Mu?oz, the Pan American Sports Organization supervisor, who openly doubted that several installations would be ready on time after the Organizing Committee failed to meet its promised 30 May deadline. Puello Herrera said that the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Stadium track would be tested around 15 July, after the race course is certified for accuracy and validating records. The Venezuelan company renovating the Olympic Stadium has estimated its completion for 25 July ? barely one week before the opening ceremonies are scheduled to take place.
Nevertheless, Puello said the aquatics center, velodrome, rowing and canoeing are ready for certification. He also expressed confidence that the football field in San Crist?bal would be ready, where the women?s football events will be held.
Puello Herrera did recognize that the government is behind in its payment to several of the engineers. But, he said, these engineers have continued to build, despite the arrears. El Caribe reports that the engineers fear that once the Pan Am Games are over, and as the countdown for the presidential elections begins, they will not be paid.