Durban, South Africa, "needs to get its act together before the end of November or risk losing the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games," according to Alexis Haden of THE SOUTH AFRICAN. Durban was "awarded the rights by default" in '15, after the only other bidder, Edmonton‚ Canada, withdrew from the process. The Commonwealth Games Federation has now said that South Africa "needs to start preparations or risk losing the right to host the Games." CGF President Louise Martin said, "We all truly believe in the inspirational and impactful potential of a Games in Africa. However‚ we also appreciate that there are concerns about the current progress to plan. We are still six years out‚ so now is the time to reinforce our commitments in partnership with Durban -- as we sincerely hope -- or look at alternatives." Durban still does not have a Local Organizing Committee and the South African government has "not yet signed the host city contract or confirmed underwriting arrangements nor made any payments to the CGF." An LOC was "due to be established within 180 days of being awarded the rights to host the Games" and a payment of 25M rand ($1.8M) was due to have been transferred to the CGF by now (THE SOUTH AFRICAN, 10/9).