[Editorial] An informed public is a prerequisite for accountability

The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) is now targeting a three-year period to be able to complete major projects that will deal with persistent water shortage. The WASAC chief executive told the media this week that the persistent water shortage that has resulted in rationing over the last two years was due to little water supply and the low capacity of existing infrastructure. That means city dwellers and the country at large will have to do with more rationing before we can have uninterrupted supply of clean water. Nonetheless there is reason to be optimistic even with the current shortages given the progress that has been made over the last couple of years. In the meantime, if WASAC can streamline its rationing programme then every household can have enough water to cater for its basic needs. It’s a good culture for public institutions to come forward and update the country about their respective mandates even where challenges still persist. The ideal of accountability for which the Rwandan people hold sacrosanct is best served when public agencies and authorities take it upon themselves to regularly let the citizens know what is being done to better serve them. This will guard against speculation and unrealistic expectations while at the same time authorities will be under pressure to deliver on their promises or else an informed citizenry will hold them to account. Other public utilities should take their cue from WASAC and explain to the public how and when they expect to address lingering challenges. Most importantly, public agencies should deliver on their pledges and do so in a timely manner. The public, too, should take part in this effort, especially through proper handling of public infrastructure, such as water and power installations, and holding public agencies accountable whenever they fall short of their own commitments.

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[Editorial] An informed public is a prerequisite for accountability