VIC: Urgent need for water engineers, says aid agency

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-1999
VIC: Urgent need for water engineers, says aid agency

MELBOURNE, April 9 AAP - An Australian aid agency today called for experienced water
engineers to help the Kosovo relief effort in the Balkans.

Community Aid Abroad-Oxfam Australia said engineers were needed to ensure that water and
sewerage systems were in place to avert major outbreaks of disease.

"We are trying to avoid needless deaths occurring because people have no access to clean
water," the agency's executive director Jeremy Hobbs said in Melbourne.

"There is no shortage of water, but it must be clean and people must have access to decent
sanitation and latrines, proper drainage, etc.

"As the footage from the deserted Blace camp in Macedonia shows, several thousand people
encamped in a muddy field has the potential for major disease outbreaks."

He said that Community Aid Abroad, as part of the worldwide Oxfam movement, had already
deployed more than 40 tonnes of water tanks, pipes and tap stands.

"But we're still trying to catch up with the enormous needs on the ground," he said.

He said experienced people who were interested should fax their CV to Mark Prasopa-Plaizier
at 03 9 419 5895 or email markp@caa.org.au.

AAP er/ms

KEYWORD: KOSOVO AUST ENGINEERS

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