Beijing Olympics venues cost nearly USD 2 bn

Beijing, Aug 23 : China is estimated to have spent nearly USD 2 billion on construction of the Olympic Games venues, an official said here Saturday.

The figure includes money spent on the construction of new venues and refurnishing cost of existing ones, but the detailed figures would be available only after a final accounting, Beijing city government spokesman Liu Zhi told reporters.

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG) has spent about USD 2 billion, which includes money spent on temporary furnishings such as those used in the opening ceremony, Liu said.

The final figure is to be confirmed by the BOCOG.

"We have spent seven years preparing for the 16 days that is presented to all of you. More important than the fund spent in the preparation is the endeavor of ordinary workers, who work extra hours to guarantee the operation of the city. They deserve our gratitude and attention," said Liu.