this is al jazeera. hello. you're watching the news hour from the headquarters in doha. these are our top stories. voters head for the polls in car with civil civil tightening the grape. clearing out remain pockets of i.s.i.l. >> the gof case against the plantation giant accused of

contributing for fires is thrown ou. a top advisor to the north korean leader is killed in a car crash we begin this newshour in central african republic, where voting is under way in the presidential and legislative elections, voters cast their ballot across the country on wednesday morning. 1.8 million people are expected to vote across 500 polling stations. the armed forces and u.n. peacekeepers ensuring it goes smoothly. the country has been marred by violence as the overthrow by seleka rebels in 2013. he has been barred from standing. the subject of sanctions for supporting armed groups.

another unable to run but in power by seleka fighters. the interim president is also not allowed to stand. that can change if the former prime minister wins. a former prime minister whom support has been pledged. if elected, he could return to c a.a. the other leading candidates - accused of some having ties to fighters. and a farmer foreign minister, and the -- former foreign minister, and a prominent muslim candidate. here is tonya page with more. >> these men traded war tore work, fighting for the seleka, toppling the president in 2013. i'm happy he is gone. we need a president to help the country find its place.

i put down my gun, and show to others it can be done. >> reporter: this is the heart of the seleka rebellion, when the mostly muslim group was driven to power, revenge was taken on seleka and muslims. hundreds of thousands fled their homes. the country has been devastated. wednesday's election has been delayed five times, preparations are going down to the wire. >> there was a technical problem with the printing of ballot papers, they were challenged, and candidates won. >> reporter: the election material arrived a day before the vote. some needs to get to polling stations 175km away. it's a huge challenge. this is one of the poorest parts of one of poorest parts in africa. the former president's government neglected the region

where the seleka tapped into feelings of discontent. the land is rich in documents. they fund armed groups. investment and employment is needed. the country has never known good governance, a sense that the government in bangui can't just do what it wants. the local pastor hopes the election is fair and peaceful. i tell people in church to leave the past in the past. we need to find a way to cultivate and build roads. we need to do it calmly. >> the fighters have been handing in their weapons for a place in the work programme. this is a fraction of what is out there. as the country tries to move forward, it has to start

somewhere the u.s. says coalition air strikes killed 10 senior i.s.i.l. leaders in iraq and syria. some of them are linked to the paris attackers. the iraqi prime minister emphasised that the recapture was an iraqi operation, and baghdad is differing with washington over how long it will take to defeat i.s.i.l. >> reporter: this is an alleged i.s.i.l. leader with ties to the leader, a mastermind of attacks. and with plans of his own to attack other western targets. the u.s. military says it killed him in an air strike somewhere inside syria on december 24th, and he was one of 10 i.s.i.l. leaders targeted this month. our ability to dismantle the facilitation networks, the ability to dismantle ground

control, the executioners and extortionists, that eats away. >> the obama administration long talk beside the need to attack i.s.i.l. on many fronts. financially and through social media. it's the military campaign that captured the most attention. they praised success, driving i.s.i.l. out of ramadi, a city troops took back in may. military troops applauded the fight to retake baiji, hub of the oil injury, and sinjar, home to yazidi and sunni. >> translation: we will chase i.s.i.l. and go after them. we tell the people from here and mosul that we are coming to liberate you, and i.s.i.l. will be defeated and flee as they

were in ramadi. >> reporter: analysts say the failure to mention the u.s. was not an oversight. >> what the prime minister is trying to say, this is iraqis taking control of their own destiny. if it looks like this was more u.s. operates than an iraqi operation, this, again, would fade into the narrative that it's the west that is struggling with groups like i.s.i.s. >> while iraq and the u.s. celebrate progress. there is a split on the way forward. haider al-abadi said 2016 will be the year iraq kicks them out of i.s.i.l., in the u.s.'s view, it will take longer. iraqi forces and tribal fighters are tightening. there's fighting in fallujah. we have this report.

according to the anbar police chief. 500 tribal fighters have come to the line, carrying out operations for the forces. these are the areas, key in order for the iraqi forces to cross the euphrates river into central parts of ramadi. iraqi forces are confident they can not just take on ramadi after capturing thing about, and fallujah and surrounding areas of ramadi. the fighting continues, and the iraqi forces say it will take them days to clear and sweep the area of land mines. explosive in houses and iuds that i.s.i.l. fighters leave behind. >> the u.s. criticized last week's killing of the leader of the syrian group, saying he was

ready to take part in u.n. mediated talks. there's concern over what is called indiscriminate air strikes targetting civilians. something russia denied. >> n.g.o.s reported that hundreds of russia's air strikes killed hundreds of civilians, hitting schools and markets, leading to the displacement of 130,000 syrians in the first half of november. we are deeply, deeply concerned about the reports of high civilian casualties in particular. we have seen them marked in troubling increase in reports of the civilian casualties since russia commenced the air campaign there. meanwhile, this is the aftermath of heavy shelling taking place near damascus. it's not clear whether russian or syrian regime forces carried out the attack. >> indonesia called off the search for survivors of a ferry

that sank. the death toll standing at 63. after the ferry capsized off the coast in the south-east. carrying 118 passengers and crew, when it ran into trouble. 40 were rescued. >> a court in indonesia threw out a case against a company accused of contributing an annual shroud of smoke. a company linked to a palm oil plantation was accused of burning thousands of hectares of forest. the hads affected not just indonesia, but malaysia and singapore. we have more from sumatra. >> this is a blow for the ministry. it brought the action accusing it of starting fires over 20,000 hectares of land in sumatra in 2014, to clear it for plantation use. the ministry sought $570 million

in damages, making it the largest of its kind. the court said it did not prevent enough evidence for it to find in favour of the ministry, ministry officials are demonstrated by the verdict, believing they presented enough strong evidence and it should have been an open and shut case, they were able to group the fires burning were happening on land or concessions that belonged to the area. this company happened to be a company that had its licence suspended in recent months because of the forest fire. >> some say the forest fires are due to small farmers using a slash and burn method. this is allowed in traditional communities, but only limited to two hectares of land. big plantation companies are to blame. companies that adopted the message, because it's the cheapest to clear land. they are responsible for the large scale fires that happen.

and more environmentalists say it's the lax enforcement in indonesia allowing the problem to continue. >> north korea's state newsagency said a friend of the leader died in a car crash. victoria gatenby reports. few details have been released about the circumstances surrounding the car crash that killed kim yank gong. north korea's newsagency announced his death in a brief statement. >> translation: tim, member of the political bureau, deputy to the supreme people's atem bli died sadly in a traffic accident at 6:15 on december 29th at the age of 73. >> as secretary of the ruling workers party, he was one of north korea's senior officials. he was an experienced negotiator, who played an

important roll in talks in south korea. in august he diffused tensions between the two sides after an explosion injured two seen soldiers at the boarder with north korea. the south korean government paid tribute to skill and hard work during the talks. >> we offer our condolences over the death of kim yang gong, working to receive a meaningful achievement. >> reporter: kim yang gong was, according to state media, kim jong un's closest comrade and a solid revolutionary partner. his death is raising questions about what is happening inside north korea's secretive government. seen officials say kim jong un -- south korean officials say kim jong un executed many officials, including his uncle, since becoming leader. the funeral will take place on thursday.

it's not clear what the death of an experienced advisor will mean a professor of international relations at the hancock university in seoul, said that the death did not appear to be suspicious. >> there has been different cases of important figures getting into traffic accidents. this looks different. kim jong un, himself, the supreme leader came out showing his condolences, and we see signs that there is surprise on their side. unlike other cases where we have serious speculations, i don't think this one has much speculation. this case that we are talking about doesn't seem to be a forced case. it looks like an accident. in that case, what north korea face assist kind of like a force to face this kind of change. it looks like depending on who

will come out as his successor, yes, definitely we'll see a transition. this is not something they seem to design. he is a top aid. he was very close person to the top leader, and showing all different sides of his visit and so on. that's what we are looking at. >> we wouldn't call him, but he was a voice of moderation and reason here. so with him gone now, we do have a lot of concern. if we get into it. other situations of high tensions comes out, speaking out for the rationality and reason. we don't see any face at this moment to replace him. we were very much concerned more ground to cover here on al jazeera, a latele later on the -- a little later on the programme, the el nino weather pattern battering an area in argentina, where flood barriers

were not enough they may feel unwanted, but refugees are helping to boost one of the biggest cities. and in lester sigh, tied on points with arsenal at the top. english premier league. bahraini fighter jet taking part in the fights has crashed. it was due to a technical area. claims that it was brought down was incorrect. the pilot survived the crash near the south of the border with yemen. it was less than 24 hours ago when three were killed on the saudi border korean women used as war time sex slaves by the japanese military gathered in soil to

renounce a compensation deal. hundreds rally since an agreement between south korea and japan. japan's prime minister apologised, pledging 8 million in compensation. supporters say it did not go far enough. >> we ask them to direct an apology. instead of apologising by proxy. >> western workers found eight survivors from a collapsed mine. trapped with nine others for five days, the crews are trying to send food water and other supplies to the men, who are 220 meters under ground. they are dribbling their way through the rubble. >> cuba needs to prepare for a tough year. that was the message to the national assembly. tourism is booming. the president blamed falling oil prices. cuba depends on billions of

dollars and cash from venezuela, which has dried up. solidarity was expressed. >> translation: i know the inheritance was an obstacle. we have to face it. we decided on it during a time we thought it necessary, it's been prolonged for too long. i'd like it reiterate the solidarity with venezuela, we call for international globalisation of the event. for the end, all interference on internal matters. >> columbia is on high alert with forest flyers spreading across the country, battling blazes. strong winds, warmer conditions brought on by el nino said to fuel more fires. >> days of uncertainty for tens of thousands in shelters, who escaped flooding in south america. argentina, paraguay and uruguay

are experiencing the worse floods in 50 years. teresa vo has been to the argentinian city, barricades meant to hold back the waters have been breached. >> they are hoping to go home soon. she's been living in the area for days. the recent rain is complicating the situation more. >> translation: i have nothing left. my children have no shoes or clothes, we are told it will be weeks before the water goes down. if it rains, it will get worse. vanessa is one of thousands of argentinians. it happened in the province. the river is not far away from here. that's why authorities built the wall a decade ago.

the problem is that this time the rain and the amount of water coming from paraguay and brazil was so intense that it flooded other parts of the city. authorities here are monitoring the barricades built around the city, trying to prevent the situation of getting worse. juan says they are getting organised in case the water continues to go up. >> the current situation could continue until march. we need to be ready. it doesn't mean everything will be under water. we hope not. the weather is changing. we are seeing a lot of rain. the city is trying to cope with thousands of evacuees, scattered in different shelters, many have lost it all. facing heat. humidity and bugs, distributing

food, water and. this is not something that happens all the time. we are receiving help from around the country in reaching those that need it the most. we have to learn from this. >> reporter: for now, people like vanessa say they are trying to get by, they know it could be months before they make it back home hundreds of people in the mid west united states continue to suffer due to severe flooding. 70 tornados and 400 floods left the area, and illinois almost submerged. more than 40 people died. rivers touched record levels, closing hundreds of roads and halting shipping. many have been helping with sandbags as they prepare for a flood along the mississippi river flooding continues in the

u.k., a 300-year-old bridge collapsed in north yorkshire. large sections broke up. the bridge had been shut due to structural concerns. leaving broken pipes ex-poised, forcing -- exposed. forcing lobing als to leave -- locals to leave. >> the u.k. - let's see what they are looking like. it's been teaming. >> it is. s it's raining now. york, the capital of the county has been underwater for a day or so. it is training away. it looks pretty unsettled as long as you don't live there or go there. now, of course, it happens every few years. this is an el nino year and has been enhanced. in large part the rain has the potential to give 100mm or so from that point until the middle

of the night. but the warnings are a bit further north or west. scotland, a good part of the island, wales and the west of england. by the time we get to thursday, the sun is back out again. if there pleases you at all. >> most of europe is not enduring this. the heart of europe, most of europe has been too warm, and enjoying the sun shine, what you see is the italian. we are talking about an area that should be freezing and probably covered in snow. and the flowers are out. there's a change taking place, the cold front finally has invaded central and eastern europe. temperatures coming back to where they should be and haven't been. forecast wise, we talk about minus six. the other side is too warm. paris is at 11. but that line of rain as it

dies, through france and spain, a touch to the western alps, a touch of spain here. at the same time the cold air amalgamated over turkey, and a huge amount of know is likely to fall. flights have been cancelled. over 140 because of impending snow. as that continues, we'll find that the rain band turns to snow as it crosses into central part of europe, and the first bit of real winter looks like showing itself in the mountains and the lower ground. how about that for a change? >> it is about time. >> thank you very much, indeed a chechen man has been identified as the adelaide alleged murderer of a government critic in russia. the state panel investigating the murder said it was ordered by russ line, an interior ministry soldiers and lawyer. a member of the family accused

of a cover up. hundreds of thousands of refugees arrived in greece, many fleeing the war in syria. some greek besides say they are getting unexpected boosts. from the northern city we have this report. >> reporter: it is greece's second-largest city with a population of more than a million. the coastline is a major tourist attraction. it's an hour's drive to the border which is the main crossing point for refugees west of europe. over a million refugees posed through greece in 2018. many went through the city, that brought cash to the local economy. >> translation: some of the refugees came with money to spend. as far as the economy is concerned, all restaurants, cafes and boutiques, all had a boost. >> cheap hotel rooms have been

in demand. >> the hotel association says more than 25,500 refugees booked a room for a night or two in the first afl of 2015 -- first half of 2015. the number is expected to rise because there are others from different nationalities staying at the hotel. this cost in the street was about 20 euros, the mayor says greece was not after the refugees money. >> people, mainly syrians. which had economic ability. this was a passing point. i ined the same way they make money when they pass through.

they go through. whop nose how much they get there. >> at the patrol station near the boarder. they can wait days before the police allow them to continue the journey. and that means they spend more time on trade and drink. boosting the shop owners. >> it's big, it's an industry. we ask for biscuits, sweet and sugar, and bake stuff. >> demand for transport has picked up through the quiet winter months. being refugees from athens to the border for 25 euros per person. business is good. the driver tells me he transports many people a week. it costs hundreds of dollars. the refugees help some greeks, and their businesses are

flourishing. >> refugees in western germany have been banned from setting off fire works. they were worried about the risks. they stir up bad memories from the people that fled war zones. >> more to come here on al jazeera, including keeping the fires burning. despite the health hazard, the fires burning in india. plus... >> this is called the dead sea of canada. the waters are extremely salty. i'll report on new research showing how salt lakes like this could help the country cope with climate change. >> and in sport. organizers for the 2016 rio olympics are facing tough challenges, with an update on

preparation.

hello again, you are watching al jazeera. here is a reminder of the top stories, voters at the central african republic are at the polls. the country has been marred by violence. >> iraqi forces and sunni tribal fighters are tightening their grip on the city of ramadi, sweeping and clearing operations were under way on the northern frond. >> an indonesian court threw out

a case against a country accused of contributing to the haze over last parts of south-eastern asia. >> thousands of hectares of forest were burnt to make room for crops. let's bring you more on the top stories. elections taking place. live from bangui. bolls have been over. has everything been going smoothly. on the whole they have been smooth. once polling stations opened. some of them delayed for hours, some didn't have voting material, and that was here in the capital where you think things will be most organized. we are seeing cues at the polling station. the process is moving forward. people are able to come here and cast the votes. most of them - i was talking to

the head of the african union observer area. something we have seen issues is some have not received voter cards. they are turned away at the polling stations, having been told they'd be able to vote. there seems to be a breakdown in communication between what the voters have been told and people manning polling stations have been told. the head of the mission saying that was the biggest concern. some news that there have been delays. polling stations open. 5.5,000 polling stations, some remote. it may not be until the end of the day that we have a full picture. >> given the changes ahead for whoever wins the vote, can it be

seen as a turning point for the country or not? as a step forward, bench we spoke to has been looking forward to this day. despite concerns that it has been rushed and delays, and lack of training for the staff. there is a monumental stask ahead of whoever takes over. even though the election may pass, the ask ahead is huge. they need to really unite the country, a country that has never really been united. and where there's a lot of distrust. also on the logistical issues around the vote is almost a million living in camps. inside or outside the country, including them in the process, and most of them are from the

muslim minority is important to any new government, in trying to form an inclusive country. >> tonya paige reporting live. thank you very much. one of our other main stories is a decision by the indonesian court to throw out a case gains a company accused of contributing to pollution from forest fires. >> we are joined live from jakarta. this case was brought about by the government. it's brought to court by the government. it was supposed to be cut or dried. why was it thrown out? >> yes, our prediction is that the judges that lead the case in the court, doesn't have indepth knowledge of environmental law. because in his decision, he doesn't recognise that there are

fires found in the concession of the company, but he was looking at - what he was looking at is the cause and effect of the fires, and according to our environmental law, the company or any business doing natural resource management, they have an obligation, they have what we call a liabilitiy of that fire. so it may be held responsible. the judge ignores the nurse the evidence of the witness brought by the government. and taking into account the assessment. why do you think that was? >> yes, because of the of the

judges that head the court. according to a supreme court in indonesia, every judge in the court. they must have an environmental certificate. environmental cases are extraordinary, and cannot be approached in the conventional way, in what they are doing now. >> that seems to be a failing of the court that can be rectified in the future of the are you happy with the amount that the government has done. it's taken unprecedented action. revoking companies and licences responsible for the fighters. it's never done that before. >> the government - it is what it is expecting from the government. currently the government on t the - issues the licences.

they can be forced to licence the company. they have the authority, and it allows, according to the environmental law. this is what we are getting from the government. they don't really take a serious measure by revoking the licence of the company. that they can do. >> great to get your opinion and your expertise from jakarta. thank you for joining us. >> yes, thank you. >> turk yea had detained two i.s.i.l. members. they were accused of planning a new year attack. let's go to hashem ahelbarra. joining us from southern turkey. tell us more about it. >> basically security forces say that they acted following intelligence they have received about potential attacks targetting areas.

basically that it went into a house, and they arrested two people who came from syria, with explosive belts and were planning to launch a suicide bombing attack in the new year. this comes against a backdrop of heightened security, and the past security forces in turkey. arrested dozens of people saying some of them were affiliated with i.s.i.l. planning attacks in turkey, or acting as intermediary with i.s.i.l. high command inside syria. it comes against the backdrop of the attacks launched by i.s.i.l. in turkey. one in ankara in october. and before that on the border with syria. so this is exactly why security is alert in turkey. >> absolutely, and the fight against the p.k.k. rebels is also raging.

>> spreading in the south-eastern part of the countries, talking about areas like the eastern part also, and there has been clashes yesterday in the area, and clashes, explosions, and the government says it's launching the attack to clampdown the fighters, some of the people were targeted. were civilians. it's a mounting pressure. the government accused the leader of the party, which is a pro-kurdish party of fanning the problem in the eastern part of the country. the relationship between the government has deteriorated over the last few days. they have been accused of it

being a betrayal of the country and they are using the kurdish issue to create a destabilizing area of the country. they warned them against fanning them. that you would have to pay the price. turkey will not allow for a division of the country. we also got reports that it has been a blast in the area, where the blast happened near an armenian church. there has been a curfew imposed by the government in the area. we don't know what happened. hashem ahelbarra for the moment we'll leave it there. >> a new set of global cold came in effect on 1st january. one is to ensure healthy lives for everyone. in india, more than a million

die from indoor air pollution. many burn toxic materials. it's a widespread practice despite other cleaner fuel options. this report from the state of hariana. >> reporter: life is simple here, as is the cooking. today, they begin making food for the family, and she sits like this twice a day, every day. it is not pleasant. >> i start coughing because of the smoke. the cough and smoke makes my eyes water too. >> it's a similar story in hundreds of thousands of villages, where cooking is done in or near the home, and most of the old-style stoves use dirty fuel. smoke gets inside the home and lungs. >> there are villages where this stove running on wood or charcoal or dunk is the only option. even when there's no alternative

available. the preference is pore this. in this village, some have a natural gas in the corner of the home. it's rarely used, other than for making tea. >> translation: food doesn't cook quickly. we don't like the taste. this is better. >> preference for the old ways is hurting their health. the stoves are in a courtyard or outside the home. the smoke travels into the moment. where it's breathed in by everyone from the family. >> burning cow downing creates different sides of particles, the smaller particles get in the lungs much of all the problems, the smaller the particle, the worse the health funds. >> experts say switching to other stoves would have an immediate effect. >> the amount of smoke and time,

pacts them. if you use a gas stove. little smoke is created. the lesser the smoke. >> changing habits is hard. orders are available, costing less than buying a gas cylinder. it's focused on finding cheap alternatives india's capital is introducing a scheme to help control air pollution from 1 january. private cars will be allowed into new delhi on alternate days. according to odd or even numbers on the licence plate. it's hoped to stem vehicles on the roads. the prime minister said the residents must take responsibility for cleaning up the city. >> this scheme will only be

successful once it becomes a big movement. when people want to do this from their hearts. we do not have to do this. i'm saying we do not have to do it balls it's forced upon us by the government. we have to do it because we feel it is important for our lives and health. >> an air pollution scientist joins us via skype from new delhi. leaving logistics aside. to what extent to you think the odd-even formula will reduce air pollution in the capital? >> well, what i think is the problem is compleasuring. they are thinking about the problem. and the previous governments have not focused attentions on this issue.

it is putting the right intent on the problem. >> in the pollution in delhi, it is not enormous. you can see the recent studies, you will find that it is lesser they are trying to reduce this. and it will not be so. i think that there are so many other sources that contribute intensely to the problem in the capital city. >> what are rt other sources, what needs to be looked out. >> if we look at regular sources. the trust. they have regular share. other than that, you have the capital city surrounded by

industry. and others operating around the city of delhi. there is open burning happening in the rural areas. they are contributing to the problem. and some of them run on fuel. so in order - the situation here is complex. it's not so simple that you put them on the team and get rid of the problem. it's a good start. and on the experimental stage at the moment. we can improve the strategies in the future. >> a good resolution. thank you for joining us there from new delhi as carbon levels climb in the earth's atmosphere, scientists and government looking for ways to reduce

emissions. researchers may have found a natural process soaking up carbon from the hear. we have this report from saskatchewan. >> translation: they call this the dead sea of canada. it's so salty. microscopic creatures can live in it the rivers float in and out. farmers knew not to plant crops on the shore. there's a spa, it's been here for decades. in the 20s, and 30s, people came from all over. they put the mud on themselves. it was very much a health place. salt water lakes are well-known in this part of the board. they have been popular. new research showed that a lake like this with the sal een waters may be performing a

valuable service. researchers at the university of regina, said such. it is a stable element. more than a million tonnes a year. up to a third of saskatchewan farms. best of all, it's a natural process. you don't have to do anything in the shop. i think lakes have been under appreciated in the carbon budget. total surface area relative to the ocean and forest. the rates at which they are protesting is far faster. as oceans are more acidic, they sop up less carbon. they are crucial and not just here. the caspian sea has similar

demistry. environmental activists say it's the science that should strans form our approach to the world's carbon problem. we need goods to figure out how to achieve this. if we use it to set out what we need to achieve. we can hand over to the economist and the social scientists to figure out the detail of how to get there. >> governments are not doing much. there's excitement building over how it might be applied, if canada draws up a plan to deal with emissions in the salt lake. the prayersies could be a parts of it. plenty to come in al jazeera. ottawa senators get a beating in bean town. that story coming up. up.

let's get all the sport now. england beat the top test site in africa. fast bowler steve finn was the pick of the england bowlers, ending with four wickets in the second innings, and he got throw, including the prized wicket. south africa is all out. for 174. losing the last seven wickets. the next step begins in cape

town on january 2nd. leicester city hasn't quite finished the year. once against frustrating more illustrious opponents. it's a result leaving lester second in the table. city without an away win. a strong tip for relegation. they continue to defy logic. >> the decision is strange. pt teams have to stay far... >> the teams have to stay far away from us. we are there, we love to stay there. i know it's not our position. but we fight. we love to stay there. >> not happy because we came here to win the game. from the first meeting.

we went for the few points. we'll have more position, more attempts. more things to win the game. but, of course. if you come to win, it's important not to lose. arsenal finish ahead of leicester. liverpool beat list, and -- jon lester, and -- list. >> we know them. nobody in the team is like this. we want to improve our situation. we want to develop, we want to get more points in this very, very important moment in the league. >> the boston bruins beat the ottawa senators to end a 3-game losing streak. boston's jimmy hayes scored a first hat-trick. matt and patrice scored twice,

hammering the senators 7-3. ottawa didn't take it well, a brawl between the two sides broke out near the owned end of the game, the teams set to play each other twice more then season. >> the head of european athletics believes russia will be unlikely to return to the competition. a cultural change is required within russian athletics, and it is urn realistic ahead of the rio games. the russian federation has been banned for alleged involvement in widespread doping now, as the new year approaches, al jazeera is looking ahead to some of the big stories of 2016. one is rio de janeiro's troubled preparations. concern about the polluted water is economic plight. we have this report from rio.

>> reporter: in that city famous for its beeches and carnival. having a good time is a way of life. rio de janeiro has experience hosting an international sporting event. hosting world cup soccer matches in 2014. add to that the pride of making history. this is a first olympic games to be held in south america. >> it's going to be wonderful, and rio will welcome them with open articles. >> more than half of the rio 2016 budget comes from private money. the city is taking full advantage of using venues from previous sporting event like the world cup. >> the city says construction is on time and budget. unlike the world cup, when some stadiums were finished days before the game began. there are two kinds of olympics, games that take the benefits out of the city, and the city that takes the benefits out of games.

we are taking full advantage of having the olympics in rio. >> in 2015, the city held 20 test event, including the triathlon. environmentalists are raising concerns about the fight expected to hold most of the competitions. here athletes may have to compete while smalling raw sewerage. the city promised the olympic committee that it would clean up the bay. now officials admit it may not be enough. on the periphery of the park, memories and processes makes way for access into the area. initially this person refused to leave even though the city offered her a flat and money. most of the 344 families took the buyout.

she decided to move, but feels a sense of loss. >> it's not that anyone is against the olympics. they destroy people here, the community, everything. another concern is the drug gangs and spillover of the yoinls in the favelas, city officials say things were calm. if you think about going to the biggest sporting event on the planet. 7.5 million tickets are available. more than half cost $30 or less. and that's all your sport for now. i'll be back with more later. now it's back to you. >> thank you. more later. >> stay with us here on al jazeera, if you can. i'll be back with a full half hour news. also, all the day's news and mar can be found on the website. all that and more on

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only on al jazeera america. [ ♪ ] . >> i voted voters head to the polls in central african republic, with hopes of stability after years of violence. hello there, you are watching al jazeera, live from our hours in doha. i'm laura kyle. also ahead. tightening the grip on ramadi. iraqi forces carry out operations to rid the country of i.s.i.l. >> the top