Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Friday, August 22, confirmed the arrest of Straton Manirakiza, an official of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), over corruption-related charges. Manirakiza, who was responsible for repairing the Ruhanga water supply network in Rusororo Sector, is accused of soliciting bribes from residents. ALSO READ: Former WASAC chief executive arrested over corruption According to preliminary investigations by RIB, Manirakiza asked for money from residents in May this year to connect them directly to a water pipeline carrying water from the main supply to households. “This arrangement bypassed the communal reservoir, which supplies residents of Ruhanga, Rugende, Mirama, and Nyagacyamo cells, the investigations body said in a statement on Friday. His actions not only violated WASAC’s guidelines but also created inequities in water distribution, sparking complaints from affected communities.” ALSO READ: Water utility dismisses 27 over corruption The suspect is currently being held at RIB Kacyiru Station while his case file is being processed for submission to the Prosecution. ALSO READ: How Rwanda’s water utility is leveraging tech to combat corruption The arrest of Manirakiza comes two weeks after RIB detained Omar Munyaneza, a former WASAC CEO, along with two senior officials from the utility, over corruption, favoritism, and solicitation of sexual favors. It is not clear whether the two cases are related.
