Kigali, 9th September, 2017: In the framework of promoting good service delivery in energy, water and sanitation services, a one-day retreat for both WASAC and REG staff was conducted on 9th Saturday 2017 at Kigali Convention and Exhibition Village and Lemigo Hotel respectively. In the presence of the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) management and staff, the retreat brought together both Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) staff at all levels to discuss on different matters. The retreat was aimed at finding strategies to enhance professionalism, accountability, change mindset and attitude for better service delivery in energy, water supply and sanitation.

Officials and employees held fruitful discussions that followed presentations of the Auditor General and Police Representative on gaps and loopholes observed in public finance management, compliance with procurement procedures, financial reporting as well as service delivery to the public. 

In his speech, Hon. Minister of Infrastructure urged REG and WASAC officials to fast-track establishment of Single Project Implementation Unit to monitor water supply projects, prevent corruption and ensure proper management of projects.

During the retreats, it was highlighted that Agencies procurement manuals with gaps are to be revised to avoid unnecessary single source procurement approach since this could trigger more corruption cases.

Following advices given by Auditor General, the representative of National Police and Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Aime Muzola, the new WASAC Chief Executive Officer, said strict measures will be taken to ensure improved service delivery and Company’s performance.

Mr. Muzola also said “We also discussed about mismanagement of WASAC property and staff management. All these have also affected service delivery. WASAC is going to step up its performance and service delivery and take measures to avoid recurrence of past mistakes while holding accountable those who committed mistakes”

On the other hand, Officials in REG were committed to reinforce internal disciplinary committee to sack any corrupt employee. Energy Utilities Corporation Ltd (EUCL) Managing Director, Maj. Jean Claude Kalisa said that in the last two years, about 10 employees were fired due to corruption. The dismissal, he said, was based on decisions that were made by the energy body’s disciplinary committee. “The disciplinary committee is not a court, but once it has facts that an employee has engaged in corruption, or in activities connected to it, dismissal follows, and if there are any consequences that might ensue, the institution will deal with them. But, we will never condone corruption,” he said.