Paris (AFP)
The construction of the future Olympic Aquatic Center (CAO) in Saint-Denis started in March and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, there is no "delay" in the work schedule, assured Tony Estanguet, the president, on Tuesday of the Paris-2024 organizing committee.
"What is rather reassuring today (...) is that the actors have nevertheless managed to keep the commitments, to bring together the necessary bodies, including during confinement, to move this file forward. And today the site has not been delayed, "assured Tony Estanguet during a press point after the site visit.
The construction and operation of the CAD, which is to host the water polo, artistic swimming and diving events, and whose cost is estimated at 174 million, has been entrusted to a group of companies led by Bouygues.
The first phase of the work will first consist of the deconstruction of the buildings on the site, the former property of Engie, before decontamination works begin around October. The actual construction is to begin in the summer of 2021 and the CAD is to be delivered in April 2024.
"There is no delay. We had a timetable, we respected it. So there is no problem. There is no concern. It will be delivered on time," also said. affirmed Patrick Ollier, president of the Metropolis of Greater Paris, contracting authority.
The question of controlling equipment costs for Paris-2024 has become a little more significant since the pandemic and the economic crisis, but Tony Estanguet ensures that the budget for the component of perennial equipment (CAD, Olympic village), estimated at 3 billion euros, remains bound.
"We are staying in the style that was decided at the start and that is rather encouraging. It is certain that the context has changed, it is certain that our teams must be adaptable," warned Tony Estanguet .
"We are trying to see how Paris-2024 will adapt to this new context. There is no question for us to go back on a promise of inheritance, on a promise of commitment," he added.
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