Rukarara probe given 30-day extension

The probe team by the Chamber of Deputies to investigate suspected malpractice in the construction of Rukarara Hydro Power Plant and the Mutobo Water Project yesterday got 30 more days to finish its work. During an extra-ordinary session yesterday morning, lawmakers unanimously consented when the Speaker, Rose Mukantabana, asked whether a request by the probe team for more time should be granted.

Saturday, December 24, 2011
Rukarara power house whose parliamentary probe has been extended. The New Times / File.

The probe team by the Chamber of Deputies to investigate suspected malpractice in the construction of Rukarara Hydro Power Plant and the Mutobo Water Project yesterday got 30 more days to finish its work.

During an extra-ordinary session yesterday morning, lawmakers unanimously consented when the Speaker, Rose Mukantabana, asked whether a request by the probe team for more time should be granted.

"The committee has been given another 30 days starting from today when the decision is taken, to give it more days to do the job it was assigned,” said the Speaker.

In the written request from the 7-person committee, they said they wanted more time to complete the compilation of their report.

The team especially indicated that they want more time to carry out financial and technical audits on Rukarara plant.

Initially, the team was supposed to complete its probe on December 15.

The investigation kicked-off early November, when the House decided that explanations provided by the Executive regarding suspected failure in the country’s energy and water sectors, were not satisfying.

james.karuhanga@newtimes.co.rw