October 3rd, 2009, 4:08 pm
Strict deadlines and the rigidies they impose, is a factor contributing to cost overruns. Careful planning is a must. On the other hand, there are plenty of unforseen factors and events and things that are demanded virtually in the last minute. For example in Athens Olympics post 9/11 there was an increased demand for extremme security measures. It was a good chance for certain governments and companies to extort the host country to buy weapons and security systems. That was an unforseen expense the time the games hosting was taken. Moreover, there was a mobilisation of more than 100K men of the armed forces, to assist the security forces, I was one of them, in order to guard even the most improbable targets, by land, sea, and air. From sealing venues, guarding bridges, fuel, power and chemical plants, even forests not to catch a fire. Albeit plans were such that the armed forces were acting on the background, not to be visible by media and civilians, this mobilisation was an additional cost born by the government. Also the health care system was on alert ready to cope even the most improbable hazzards. At the same time, a number of other people indirectly was forced to take holidays away from the city. These costs are significant that cant be capitalized. Venues of less popular sports such as table tennis or tae kwon do, are nt 100% waste of money if their design, planning and management is right both before and after the games. On the other hand, games apart from improving the host city's infrastructure, make the city an attractive tourist destination not only during the games but also for many years after them.