By Duncan Mackay

Nawal_El_Moutawakel_with_Gilbert_Felli_and_Carlos_Nuzman_at_Maracana_June_8_2011June 8 - Inspecting the work currently being undertaken at the iconic Maracana stadium was today the focal point of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Coordination Commission's visit to Rio de Janeiro to monitor progress on the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.


The stadium, which is due to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics as well as the 2014 World Cup final, is currently undergoing a $643 million (£390 million) renovation.

The Comission also saw the development of the BRT (bus rapid transport system) and Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes revealed during the trip that the city plans to build four water treatment plants to help sanitation for the Games. 

Nawal El Moutawakel, the chair of the 18-strong Coordination Commission, had earlier praised the "impressive progress" in getting the city ready to host the first Olympics in South America, noting that they had heeded her words that there was no time to waste. 

"I am happy to say that both Rio· 2016 and its partners have taken these words seriously and the progress made since then is really impressive", she said.

"I wish to congratulate Mayor Paes and his team for the impressive logistics organization delivered in terms of crowd control, security, cleaning and garbage management."

Nawal_El_Moutawakel_visiting_Rio_June_8_2011
Carlos Nuzman (pictured above left with Paes, El Moutawakel and IOC member Gunilla Lindberg), the President of Rio 2016, once again promised that Rio would not let down the Olympic Movement. 

"You have entrusted us the mission of staging memorable Games, and I can assure you that we will honour your trust, and will offer a historical contribution to the Olympic Movement," he said.

"You will see that we will leave a rich legacy to our country, to our city and to our people, fulfilling the commitments undertaken during the candidature stage.

"And, you will be able to evidence that, above all, there is true passion in everything we do."

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