A cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, December 17, approved the appointment of Maxime Mwiseneza as the Managing Director of WASAC Utility Ltd. The appointment comes as WASAC continues to face long-standing operational challenges, including infrastructure damages, water shortages, and losses. Earlier this month, senators launched a nationwide tour to investigate the root causes of water scarcity and explore potential solutions. The exercise, which began on December 2 in Burera, Karongi, and Kirehe districts, was expected to cover multiple places before concluding in Kigali on December 19. At the helm of WASAC, Mwiseneza replaces Jean Berchmans Bahige, who was serving in acting capacity. Mwiseneza, 42, is a civil engineer who previously served in various portfolios, among which he worked as the Deputy Director General of the Rwanxa Transport Development Agency (RTDA). He holds a Master's degree in Construction Project Management from Heriot-Watt University, among other academic awards. Alongside the Managing Director appointment, the cabinet approved the WASAC Board of Directors: Chew Men Leong as Chair, Dederi Wimana as Vice Chair, and Jean-Pierre Nshimyimana, Albert Munyabugingo, Juliette Kavaruganda, Gemma Maniraruta, and Juliet Gakwerere as members. Meanwhile, the government recently confirmed that the utility’s restructuring process is entering its final phase after years of difficulties in delivering effective water services nationwide, highlighting the need for strengthened leadership and renewed management at the institution. The Ministry of Infrastructure indicated that the reforms focus on strengthening leadership, professionalising staff, and establishing robust financial and asset management systems there. In February, the ministry indicated that 430 water supply systems across the country were no longer operational, with districts including Gicumbi and Rulindo among those affected. Plans are underway to restore the systems, which are expected to improve access, reduce waterborne diseases, and create jobs. Despite progress, over 44 per cent of water supplied within networks is lost, according to statistics from Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA). Between December 2019 and March 2020, 12.9 million cubic meters of water were supplied into networks, but only 7.1 million cubic meters were billed, leaving 5.8 million cubic meters lost or unbilled.
