A real clean-up in Kosovo takes time

Rebuilding: The topic of rebuilding after devastation, carries much media attention, but for all the words I have yet to see any comment other than in relation to commercial gain. A natural 'lay' reaction might be that the industry has rather more than its fair share of cynicism - ambulance chasing would seem an understatement. The question as to whether we will get work in Kosovo might fairly be moderated to 'should we' and in what kind.

Cut and run?: Any allusion to other circumstances such as cutting and running from areas of downturn overseas seems rather tenuous and ignores the reason why we were there in the first place. In my experience the companies who thrive abroad are those that are wholehearted about being there and do not regard such business as short-term gain in the sense of outposts of Empire. Self-supporting cost centres which have become established over long periods of ups and downs in trading are those that succeed. If 'UK HQ' continues to cream off what it wants then that success will be short-lived and ex-pats will be left out on a limb. Waiting for the next location of devastation before venturing abroad again seems pretty desperate stuff, particularly if there is no money to be made because there is none available.

Sub-standard housing: On a related note it is reported that: "At least three million citizens of the European Union are sleeping rough and a further 15 million are living in sub-standard housing." How one wonders can sufficient resources ever be substantially brought to bear on a problem of such magnitude? On the other hand here seems a sound opportunity for exploiting development potential. The drawback may prove to be the time it will take the European Commission to complete its research into the long-term costs of what is referred to as 'housing exclusion.'

Waterloo sunset: On a brighter note - the view from Waterloo Bridge towards Vauxhall, while always inspiring, is soon to become rather more fun with the erection of the giant Ferris wheel. At least the riverside is being used other than for institutional and commercial buildings which have for so long blocked the view as they stand shoulder to shoulder, dominating the entire area. Presumably our parliamentarians have taken into account the security risk from dissenters as they reach the top of the arc, realising that, for once, they are the ones being looked down upon!