The Eiffel Tower is badly in need of repairs according to reports, but instead is getting yet another coat of paint to make the iconic structure photo-worthy for the 2024 Olympic Games.
French magazine Marianne was the first to report confidential information saying that the Eiffel Tower is covered in rust and is in need of repairs.
The metal tower is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the world and welcomes about 6 million people every year, Sky News reported.
The Marianne report said the publication received documentation that claims that the 20th repainting project is just putting paint on existing layers.
The project was supposed to strip the tower’s existing paint and apply two new coats of paint to the structure, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project. Crews also found that lead paint was used in the past, Marianne reported.
The cost of the project is estimated at about $61.5 million, Sky News reported.
The 1,063-foot-tall Eiffel Tower was constructed in the late 19th century by Gustave Eiffel, Reuters reported.
The group that operates the tower, Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
