[PHOTOS]: We still have a long way to go, says WASAC boss

Water Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) has committed to improve services after it scooped the “water leaders’ award to recognise the performance in water utility in the developing world.

Thursday, April 21, 2016
Sano speaks to press upon arrival, yesterday. (Faustin Niyigena)

Water Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) has committed to improve services after it scooped the "water leaders’ award to recognise the performance in water utility in the developing world.

After receiving the award in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, James Sano, the chief executive officer of WASAC, said it [the award] will spur the firm’s performance.

"We still have a long way to go in the improvement of water sector. The award is a catalyst for us to double determination,” he told journalists at a press conference, yesterday at Kigali International Airport.

WASAC's boss Sano receives flowers from one of WASAC staff upon arrival, yesterday.

He said the win was due to reforms that have been taking place in the water sector in the country, and dedicated the award to the leadership of the country.

"This award is also a recognition that we are on the right track to achieve our mission which is to be customer-centric and one of the best water utilities in Africa,” he added.

WASAC was created a year ago following the reforms in former Energy Water and Sanitation authority (EWSA). Since its inception, its working to improve the water sector.

Sano greets WASAC staff upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport yesterday.

In Kigali for example, water service level is estimated at 82% from 65 % in the last two months due to the new plant of Nzove 2 Water treatment plant that pumps an additional 25,000 cubic meters per day into Kigali City water network, which already pumped 65,000 cubic meters per day.

The firm has also reduced none revenue water (NRW), water that has been produced and lost before it reaches the customer, from 38% to 34%, among other achievements.

2016 Global Water Award comes with US$10,000 cash.

WASAC won the water leader’s award and the fastest reformed water utility in the developing world. The award was accompanied by a prize of $ 10,000.

The company beat three other utility companies from Indonesia, South Africa and Grenada to scoop the top prize.

Some of WASAC staff celebrate the award yesterday. (All photos by Faustin Niyigena)

Global Water Awards were established in 2006 by Global Water Intelligence, to recognise and reward initiatives in the water, wastewater and desalination sectors that are moving the industry forward through improved performance, innovative technology adoption and sustainable financial models.

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