Ex-WASAC boss, EDCL Managing Director arrested

Police have confirmed they have in their custody Emmanuel Kamanzi, the Managing Director of the Energy Development Corporation Ltd (EDCL) and the outgoing water utility boss James Sano.

Monday, September 04, 2017
Emmanuel Kamanzi is the Managing Director of the Energy Development Corporation Ltd (EDCL) (File photo)

Police have confirmed they have in their custody Emmanuel Kamanzi, the Managing Director of the Energy Development Corporation Ltd (EDCL) and the outgoing water utility boss James Sano.

Sano was until Saturday, the CEO of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC).

According to Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Theos Badege, the two are being investigated for illegalities in awarding public tenders and misuse of property of public interest.

They were both arrested on Saturday, according to Badege.

"Investigations reveal that Sano illegally awarded a single source tender worth 61M to Cerrium Advisory Ltd. The bid was aimed to prepare and conduct exams for new employees. He also illegally awarded a bid for constructing a pumping water station in Kayenzi-Kamonyi worth Rwf371M without a bill of quantity,” Badege said.

James Sano is the Ex CEO of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC).

Kamanzi is also accused to disregarding standard procedures in issuing tenders for transformers and electric poles.

"He awarded a tender of 10 defective transformers and 400 electric poles worth $45,000 and $280,000 respectively,” the police publicist said.

Badege added: "The law enforcement action is in line with zero tolerance to corruption and public funds embezzlement which is counterproductive to national development and social welfare.”

He said investigations are still ongoing to identify any other accomplices.

It should be noted that Sano was replaced over the weekend by Aime Muzora, in a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.