Peace with Pakistan is all very well, but comes far down the list of priorities for Indian villagers, below more pressing matters such as supplies of clean water and electricity.

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The capital, Kinshasa, is getting back on its feet after the rebels' seizure of Matadi, the country's main port, in August and their severance of food, water and electricity supplies to the capital.

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Conservation group WWF says the extensive use of cannons drains the water and electricity supplies, and the building of the pipes disfigures the mountain landscape for many years.

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Water and electricity supplies in the city of Gao have also been affected by rising fuel prices, fuel shortages and conflict-related damage, the aid agency said.

BBC: Mali: 'Alarm' over food situation in the north

The bug infests most elements of everyday life: electricity, gas and water supplies, telephone services, the banking system, health services, transport and industry are all at risk if it is not caught in time.

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Shanghai, for instance, also boasts abundant supplies of clean water (a crucial input) and a fairly stable electricity grid.

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The same do-it-yourself spirit is alive in the Hotel Sao Paulo: hundreds of squatter families have set to work repairing its damaged woodwork and connecting up makeshift electricity and water supplies.

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