The 2009 East Asian Games would cost Hong Kong taxpayers an extra $39 million than previously thought after the government raised its spending forecast on the event by 40 per cent, it was revealed yesterday.
In a paper to be discussed by the Legislative Council's home affairs panel next Friday, the Home Affairs Bureau said it had revised the Games budget from $171 million to $240 million after studying how Macau handled its event in October and the hosting of Games events elsewhere.
Of that increase, the government commitment would rise from $84 million to $123 million to maintain funding support at around half of the overall budget, and the estimate on community/commercial sponsorship should increase by $20 million to $50 million, the paper said.
The bureau said the budget had been updated to reflect the plan to host 17 to 20 events and to ensure Hong Kong stages the Games with standards fitting its status as Asia's world city.
Staffing and administrative costs had the largest increase from $58 million to $75 million, while the opening and closing ceremonies will be $10 million dearer at $35 million.
Accommodation and catering costs for 2,300 athletes and delegate members, and the competition event costs have both been raised by $7 million to $15 million and $26 million respectively.
