THE SIDELINES : Rome World Cup Projects Lag
Italian stadiums will be ready for the World Cup but several major public works projects will not be completed in time for the monthlong soccer competition starting June 8, the minister for urban affairs has reported.
In a report to Parliament on Thursday, Carmelo Conte warned that work on several new roads, parking areas and subway lines will not meet the deadline.
The minister blamed red tape, fatal construction site accidents, lack of organization and even archeological findings for the delays.
Conte also cited skyrocketing costs, noting that work on the Turin, Rome and Naples stadiums is costing from 86% to 126% more than the initial estimates.
Modernization of Rome’s Olympic stadium, which will host the Cup final on July 8, will cost about $140 million, compared to an initial estimate of $66 million.
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