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DESPITE much-publicised deals supposed to improve the economy as well as water and electricity supply, it is common cause there has been no change with some households currently going as long as 16 hours without electricity.

Candid Comment with Stewart Chabwinja

Suburbs are currently in the vice-grip of intense power cuts and punitive water shortages.

On Mondays ZBCs Newshour a video clip graphically illustrated the daunting, routine challenge that confronts many residents in the capital which condemns their existence to a daily grind.

Scores of desperate residents in Glen Norah and adjacent suburbs were captured busy in heavily-polluted Mukuvisi River, which they have come to depend on for washing laundry and bathing despite the river being chock-a-bloc with pollutants from sewer and industrial chemicals.

Those interviewed said they had no choice after going for weeks without tap water, while many boreholes drilled by Unicef mostly in vulnerable high-density suburbs at the height of the cholera epidemic in 2008 have fallen into disrepair.

Co-conspiring with water hardships is the intensified load-shedding as Zesas glib statement puts it that has left many households with power only when they are deep in slumber until the crack of dawn.

The excuses for shoddy water and electricity services are so well-worn as to require no restating.

Incessant water and power cuts are among the plethora of hardships that are a reality for Zimbabweans, which also include current house demolitions by council (some nocturnal); job losses in a tough economic environment and crumbling infrastructure.

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People need service delivery not MoUs

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A crew of hazardous materials experts called the "Cleaning Guys" are in charge of disinfecting the Dallas apartment where an Ebola victim was staying, they told ABC News today.

"It's not just another day on the job," company Vice President Brad Smith said.

"Obviously, I think anyone involved would be worried -- not necessarily worried, but cautious. We've had a lot of discussions and team meetings about how we're going to attack the situation. But we run into hazardous chemicals and things that could hurt us probably more often than most," Smith said.

The company specializes in hazmat services as well as industrial and crime scene cleaning and power washing.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

PHOTO: A sign stands near the Ivy Apartments, where the confirmed Ebola virus patient was staying, on Oct. 1, 2014 in Dallas, Texas.

Smith has a crew of six to eight people on the scene at the east Dallas apartment complex where Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person to be diagnosed with the deadly disease in the U.S., had been staying, he said.

They're wearing Level B protective equipment, including fully encapsulated suits and a full face respirator with a shield. Duncan's apartment is a two-bedroom and approximately 1,000 square feet.

"We're in Phase One cleaning at this point," Smith said. "Taking personal belongings of the patient, and linens, and the bed where he was sleeping. The protocol is to obviously triple bag it and we will prepare it for transportation by another company to its final destination for disposal."

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What It's Like to Be the Ebola 'Cleaning Guys'

ST. LOUIS Two months ago, amid much fanfare, Mayor Francis Slay kicked off an effort that put 51 homeless veterans into their own apartments in one day.

After so many years of wrangling with red tape, many of the vets couldnt believe theyd get free rent and utility assistance, until they were dropped off with a set of keys.

One of them, Kevin Stradford, 55, still cant believe it. His power was shut off Wednesday for unpaid bills. Two other veterans in the apartment complex in the 3100 block of Cherokee Street had the same pink slips hanging from their door knobs.

Program managers said five other veterans in the program were expected to have their power turned off.

They are supposed to take care of us up to a year, Stradford said. Ive got no income. They are not living up to their end of the deal. I cant even open my freezer because all my meat is in there. Who is going to pay for that when it goes bad?

Stradford said hed passed along cut-off notices hed received in the mail from Ameren to Gateway 180, the nonprofit agency in charge of case management for the rapid rehousing project hes part of.

Stradford said Gateway 180 told him that it doesnt pay the bills, just submits the paperwork to the city, which receives federal funding for the program.

Kathleen Heinz Beach, executive director of Gateway 180, said Wednesday that the program has been a contractual nightmare because the city is bailing on their agreement to pay the bills.

IT'S BEEN DIFFICULT

The citys former director of homeless services, Antoinette Triplett, came up with the idea to put the vets into apartments. Its easier to provide wrap-around services and case management if people are housed.

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Highly publicized St. Louis program to get homeless veterans into housing hits snags

Nomaan Merchant and David Warren, The Associated Press Published Thursday, October 2, 2014 9:44AM EDT Last Updated Thursday, October 2, 2014 10:55PM EDT

DALLAS -- Four members of a family the U.S. Ebola patient was staying with were confined to their Texas home under armed guard Thursday as the circle of people possibly exposed to the virus widened, while Liberian authorities said they would prosecute the man for allegedly lying on an airport questionnaire.

The unusual confinement order was imposed after the family failed to comply with a request not to leave their apartment, according to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

Texas State Health Commissioner David Lakey said the order would help ensure the four can be closely watched, including checking them for fevers over the next three weeks.

"We didn't have the confidence we would have been able to monitor them the way that we needed to," he said.

The family will not be allowed to receive visitors, officials said.

The case has raised questions about whether a disease that has killed 3,300 people in West Africa could spread in the United States. U.S. health officials say they remain confident they can keep it in check.

A woman who lives in the apartment, Louise Troh, said she has been quarantined with her 13-year-old son and two nephews.

"Who wants to be locked up?" she said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Troh said she was waiting for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect a bag of the bed sheets and towels Thomas Eric Duncan used.

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Ebola patient's relatives confined to Texas home under armed guard

ST. LOUIS Two months ago, amid much fanfare, Mayor Francis Slay kicked off an effort that put 51 homeless veterans into their own apartments in one day.

After so many years of wrangling with red tape, many of the vets couldnt believe theyd get free rent and utility assistance, until they were dropped off with a set of keys.

One of them, Kevin Stradford, 55, still cant believe it. His power was shut off Wednesday for unpaid bills. Two other veterans in the apartment complex in the 3100 block of Cherokee Street had the same pink slips hanging from their door knobs.

Program managers said five other veterans in the program were expected to have their power turned off.

They are supposed to take care of us up to a year, Stradford said. Ive got no income. They are not living up to their end of the deal. I cant even open my freezer because all my meat is in there. Who is going to pay for that when it goes bad?

Stradford said hed passed along cut-off notices hed received in the mail from Ameren to Gateway 180, the nonprofit agency in charge of case management for the rapid rehousing project hes part of.

Stradford said Gateway 180 told him that it doesnt pay the bills, just submits the paperwork to the city, which receives federal funding for the program.

Kathleen Heinz Beach, executive director of Gateway 180, said Wednesday that the program has been a contractual nightmare because the city is bailing on their agreement to pay the bills.

Its been difficult

The citys former director of homeless services, Antoinette Triplett, came up with the idea to put the vets into apartments. Its easier to provide wrap-around services and case management if people are housed.

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Highly publicized homeless veterans housing program hits snags

WHEN thinking about the burning issue of water conservation, a little divine inspiration may be useful.

The students of Building Services Engineering at Waterford Institute of Technology began the new term with a visit to Longford Cathedral, which is under reconstruction after a devastating fire in 2009.

But while most visitors admire the exterior, some of the most impressive aspects of the job are out of sight like the rainwater harvesting system that will use the water freely supplied by the heavens to flush toilets and supply other areas where treated water is unnecessary.

The big issue with water supply in our buildings commercial and domestic is that the water has been chemically treated to make sure its fit for human consumption, but yet we waste it by using it in the toilet or on the garden or washing the car, says course leader Tom OBrien.

With a rainwater harvesting system, the rainwater is collected and diverted through a filtration system and then up to a pump that feeds it into the toilets. In the average house, about a third of waster use is in toilets, so it makes sense.

And its not just to the clouds we should be looking our sinks, showers, and baths are another ready source of reusable water.

We dont use this grey water very much here. In the UK they would use it more and a typical application would be again flushing toilets, washing cars, watering the garden. It needs filtering but itsessentially clean water, and so long as it doesnt go into the drinking water, its OK to reuse.

This kind of system isnt particularly new and its not rocket science, but if you dont need it by regulation or by being affected in your pocket, most people dont do it. The result is its a little bit expensive but the more theres a demand for it, the more price will come down.

Such systems best suit new builds, and although its possible to retrofit an existing house, the reality is most householders will be looking to more modest modifications to help them save on their water bills.

First, says Tom, get to know your loo. If your toilets were installed after 2001, its likely you have a conservation-conscious six litre cistern, although even that could be made more efficient by converting it to a dual flush system allowing a choice between a full flush and a three-four litre flush, enough to wash away number ones and probably many number twos too.

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Some helpful tips to easily reduce your water charges

KG Clean: Power Washing
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Sidewalk power washing services, Whitehall PA 18052 - Video

Mr Everything Handyman Service LLC in Hamilton, New Jersey, helps you with any job around your house from power washing, seal decks, flooring, and bathroom work. There is never a job too big or too small for us to work on. We are your one-stop shop for all your handyman service needs.

Let our team provide you with great power washing work. We offer quality cleaning and maintenance for your property and restore it to its prime condition and appearance. From sidewalks to exterior buildings, rooftops and more, we remove the dirt and grime from your property.

Ensure your deck is in perfect shape with our deck repair and maintenance services. Our services include cleaning, finishing, and water-resistant treatments.

We repair and install most types of flooring from ceramic floor tile in the kitchen, or installation and repair of floor treatment in the living room and/or bathroom. We will provide quality work and service that is completed in a timely manner

Remodeling services for Bathroom and Kitchen - Whether you need a complete bathroom or kitchen remodeled or just a few repairs, Mr Everything Handyman Service LLC can assist. From installing new countertops and cabinets, from mirrors and fixtures, we do it all. Give us a call to find out how we can assist with your remodeling project.

Contact us in Hamilton, New Jersey, to enhance the look of your home with our power washing and flooring services.

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Power Washing, Flooring Services | Hamilton, NJ

Envision boat ownership without the hassle of cosmetic and mechanical maintenance. Thats where Sea Worthy Yacht Management comes in your one point of contact for all your yachting needs.

Established in 2000, Sea Worthy is a full-service, professional yacht management company. Owner Rob Haney and business partner Rusty Christensen take care of those time-consuming areas of boating upkeep, so yacht owners can simply enjoy their boat. One of the mainstays of yacht longevity and high resale value, Haney explained, is keeping a sharp lookout for the slightest sign of wear and tear and addressing it before it becomes a problem.

Our goal is to keep the boats turn-key at any given time, Haney said. Were a full-service company washing, waxing, basic systems check, preventative maintenance and more. We also prepare the boats for storms that threaten the Gulf Coast.

Sea Worthy is not a fly-by-night company, but a fully insured and drug-free business that has built a trustworthy brand with hard work and dedication. Haney, an Emerald Coast native, said what truly sets them apart are their years of experience and knowledge.

Since Ive been here my whole life, Ive built and maintained relationships with the best contractors around, Haney said. So when we encounter a need which is beyond our expertise, we can ensure that your work is done professionally and in a competent manner.

Sea Worthys professional services include: weekly or bi-weekly wash and chamois dry, vinyl and eisenglass treatment, clean hatches and under cushions, run engines and generator at the slip every other week, and a complete wax every two or three months at no additional charge. The preventative maintenance includes: fluid levels, racors, strainers, batteries, bilge pumps/switches, shore power, dock lines, fender, navigation lights, and fresh water level.

Weve been taking care of Destin and Sandestin for 14 years and now were looking to expand, Christensen said. We recently moved into The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach and hope to continue caring for more yachts. As we move forward we want to keep increasing and improving our level of service doing what we do, but doing it better.

Thats why Sea Worthy Yacht Management has the saying: Dont let the day to day hassle of owning a boat take all the fun out of it.

Leave the maintenance up to them and theyll leave the fun up to you.

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Sea Worthy for all your yachting needs