SARAJEVO GAS [Main Title]

UNTV investigates the dangers of the gas system in Sarajevo where people are tapping into the system illegally to access the only source of energy left in the city after 3 years of war.

A man comes into the room and lights a gas ring. He explains that there is no wood left in Sarajevo, every tree has been cut down and people, in desperation, have used clothes and instruments for fuel. He describes the gas ring as a "blessing" but it only works every other day. Shots of rooftops, a bridge and people in Sarajevo. Voiceover explains that since the war has started people have illegally tapped into the gas system themselves. Shots of new pipe connections from street to homes. Mr Sijarić, Sarajevo gas engineer, monitors the gas supply and its dangers in the city. In his car, he explains that roads are dug up to lay illegal connections. He is inspecting illegal connections on the roadside. He explains that steel pipes rust very quickly leading to gas leaks. If gas leaks in an enclosed space, then explosions happen. There have been many gas explosions during the war, around thirty people have been killed and many wounded. Enis Zatar, has been a fireman since the start of war. He takes UNTV around Sarajevo, pointing out apartments destroyed by gas explosions. He says that putting out gas fires is horrible because there is always someone burned, alive or dead. He says it took over three hours to put it out. Shots of British government's Overseas Development Office in Sarajevo. They have been assisting with the gas supply to Sarajevo. Interview with Tony James, who says that the number of customers has increased by tenfold and as there is not enough gas to cater for them all, only half the city has gas at one time. He says that people check for gas and do not properly shut off the valve. These homemade appliances do not have safety valves and so when the gas is resupplied, a gas leak fills up the apartment and all it needs is a spark. Shot of destroyed house. Mr Sijaric gives residents of Sarajevo advice: Make sure the valve is fully off and allow the room to be aired in case there has been a leak before re-lighting the gas rind. He says that the gas ring must be under control of adults at all times. He urges people to use the gas very carefully.

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