GCDA to ensure potable water to football spectators

KOCHI: The local organising committee of the FIFA U-17 World Cup will distribute drinking water to spectators at the stadium on the upcoming match days. The difficulties the spectators faced during the first match on Saturday will not recur and the authorities concerned have taken steps to ensure food and beverage supply through the outlets at a fair price, said GCDA chairman C N Mohanan here on Sunday.
“The stadium, including potable water, food, advertisement and broadcasting, is totally under the control of FIFA. They had given the contract for food supply to a national agency which has charged exorbitant rates for food items. The Legal Metrology Department had already registered a case against the contractors and subcontractors,” Mohanan said.

He said the local organising committee will install drinking water jars at 40 spots inside the stadium starting from the next match. “A total of 40 volunteers and five supervisors will be deployed to monitor and ensure drinking water supply. Due to security reasons, water cannot be supplied to the seats of spectators. However, they can use the water cans in the specific spots,” added Mohanan.