EFFICIENT IS not an adjective synonymous with public service agencies. There is always a level of efficiency but never a definite. That is why a certain degree of lapse in service delivery or running of operations in parastatals can be overlooked.

However, when an agency that rations water from time to time is later found to be allowing up to 42 per cent of clients enjoy complimentary service, the need to raise the red flag becomes obvious.

--READ ALSO: MPs irked by ‘inefficiencies’ in energy, water body operationsMPs question EWSA over failure to account for 40% of generated water--

The Energy Water and Sanitation does a lot, but it is not enough. In some countries, illegal connections of water and electricity lines are rampant, costing billions in taxpayers’ money.

But Rwanda cannot afford to be like those ‘some countries’. We have our pride; we do things our way and inefficiency has not been close enough in the last 20 years. Rwandans deserve the best, always, not because they wish for it, but because they aspire for it. 

For an agency that takes so much flacks – justifiably so – to operate without a strategic plan in this era is unacceptable. Relying on the line ministry’s plan is slacking on the job and costing the agency the required ambitious drive to deliver both energy and water to the public. 

Delivering a joint State of the Nation and New Year message in December, President Paul Kagame demanded that EWSA ends power cuts in the country. The irritating load-shedding has waned over the months, but the bigger problem persists. 

Also, at the eleventh annual National Leadership Retreat, just like it was at the National Dialogue last year, officials reserved the flacks for EWSA. Yet what is coming out seems even more mind-boggling.

If as much as 42 per cent of water consumers are not paying, what about electricity then? And how much does that translate into in a year in monetary terms?

With Cabinet’s approval for EWSA to split into Energy Holding Company, and Water and Sanitation Company to manage energy and water resources independent of each other, drastic improvement is what the public want to hear of, not hidden losses in the tunnels.